Toronto police have revealed sweeping new details about a series of connected firearm attacks across the GTA — including the March 10 shooting at the U.S. Consulate, two additional pre‑dawn shootings in late March, and the June 11 operation that resulted in the line‑of‑duty death of Const. Marc Pinizzotto.
Police Chief Myron Demkiw told reporters on Tuesday that officers seized multiple firearms imported from the U.S. during a search warrant last week, allegedly connected to multiple shootings across the GTA. Several arrests have been made, Demkiw confirmed, including 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett, allegedly responsible for fatally shooting Const. Pinizzotto on June 11.
“What we are dealing with in this case, and in other unrelated incidents, including shootings at synagogues and Jewish schools, is a recurring and similar modus operandi,” said the police chief. “That is, criminals for hire. Through encrypted messaging apps, young people are hired to carry out attacks against various targets. In order to get paid, they are required to film their attacks.”
The update comes amid months of developments stemming from the early‑morning attack on the downtown consulate, when two suspects exited a white Honda CR‑V and fired multiple rounds at the fortified building before fleeing.
No injuries were reported, but investigators recovered shell casings and documented damage to the front entrance. Police and RCMP officials immediately classified the incident as a national security matter.
“As our investigation progressed, we determined this incident was connected to several firearm discharges across the GTA, both in terms of the individuals involved and the firearms being used,” said Joe Matthews.
Around 3:45 a.m. on March 25, officers responded to gunfire at a Markham Road and Eglinton Avenue East high‑rise. Police say shots were fired through the front door of an apartment unit while someone was inside. No injuries were reported.
A black Honda CR‑V fled the scene — a vehicle later tied to Bennett, now charged in multiple related incidents.
Roughly 24 hours later, at 3:30 a.m. on March 26, shots were fired at a business near Islington Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard West, damaging the storefront. No one was inside.
A dark Honda Civic was seen fleeing. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle sped off and eventually crashed into a fence near Royal York Road and North Drive. Two suspects — Jayon Burgher, 18, of Barrie, and Bennett — fled on foot.
Police believe a neighbouring business was the intended target.
Toronto police now say the March 10 U.S. Consulate attack, the March 25 Scarborough shooting, and the March 26 Etobicoke shooting are connected through suspects, vehicles, and firearms.
On June 11, an early‑morning series of search warrants tied to the consulate shooting and the other gunfire incidents led to the fatal shooting of Const. Pinizzotto, a veteran Emergency Task Force officer.
Toronto police — supported by the RCMP — executed five search warrants in the Black Creek Drive and Trethewey Drive area. Two suspects were arrested and charged: Police say Sheldon Tracey‑Stewart, 18, is linked to the U.S. Consulate shooting and Bennett is expected to be charged in the March 26 Etobicoke shooting and is facing a first-degree murder charge in Const. Pinizzotto’s death.
Const. Pinizzotto was struck during an exchange of gunfire inside a fourth‑floor apartment unit on Martha Eaton Way and later died in the hospital.
Bennett was shot by police during the same operation and remains in the hospital.
A second suspect, 19‑year‑old Zara Jabbi, remains wanted in connection with the U.S. Consulate shooting and is considered armed and dangerous. A court has authorized the release of his identity for five days, expiring June 19.
“He will be arrested,” Demkiw added.
Burgher was arrested by Halton police on April 15 in connection with a separate Oakville shooting, Matthews said. While in custody, Toronto police charged him in relation to the March 26 Etobicoke shooting.