Toronto police say they will increase their presence in certain neighbourhoods after a firearm was discharged outside a Jewish elementary school in North York on Saturday morning.
The Toronto Police Service (TPS) responded to the area of Dufferin Street and Finch Avenue West just before 5 a.m. for reports of shots fired at Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School.
Responding officers discovered evidence of gunfire, the service said. No injuries were reported.
“I completely understand that this can cause concern and fear and anxiety in the community, especially when it happens at a school like this,” Paul Krawcyz, an inspector with the TPS’ gun and gangs task force, told reporters Saturday.
“The Toronto Police is going to ensure that community safety is of utmost importance as we always do,” he continued.
Krawcyz said police have fielded concern over whether the offence could be a suspected hate crime or act of terrorism but said he could not confirm the motive while the investigation was in its early stages. He noted that the hate crime unit is supporting the investigation.
According to the inspector, an increased police presence can be expected in some of Toronto’s neighbourhoods. Anyone with information is being asked to contact police.