Police investigate 3rd shooting incident this year at Toronto Jewish elementary school

The Toronto Police Service (TPS) is investigating after evidence of gunfire was discovered overnight at a Jewish elementary school in North York, which would be the third shooting at the school this year.

TPS officers were notified of a firearm discharge at Bais Chaya Mushka School for Girls, located in the Finch Avenue West and Chesswood Drive area, just after 2:30 a.m. on Friday. Police said no injuries were reported.

The school remained open. The Hate Crime Unit has been made aware of the incident.

“With just a few days away from Hanukkah, we know how concerning this is for the Jewish community,” said TPS Superintendent Paul MacIntyre. “We’re committed to doing anything we can to find those responsible.”

MacIntyre confirmed that authorities believe multiple suspects were involved in Friday morning’s shooting and arrived in a vehicle. Six rounds were fired.

The all-girls elementary school has been the target of similar shootings in the past, most recently in October. Two arrests were made, including a 17-year-old youth in that incident.

A separate overnight shooting incident at Bais Chaya Mushka School for Girls was reported to the police in May. Surveillance footage from that incident showed a dark-coloured vehicle pulling up in front of the school at around 4:50 a.m. on May 25. No injuries were reported in either case.

“Imagine having to explain to your child why there are bullet holes in their school. In Canada, every child should be able to go to school without facing these kinds of violent threats,” said Michelle Stock, the Vice President at Ontario’s Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.

“Government officials have to understand that the time for thoughts and prayers is over. This is the third time this school has been targeted, which is completely unacceptable. We need action. There are concrete, common sense steps that can be taken to protect our community and country.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on the latest shooting incident, saying he was “sickened” by the reports of gunfire targeting the all-girls school.

“This is a hateful, antisemitic attack on Toronto’s Jewish community,” Trudeau wrote in a post on X. “Law enforcement is investigating to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

MacIntyre said there will be a police presence at the elementary school for the foreseeable future, including a command post in the area.