“What we are dealing with in this case, and in other unrelated incidents, including shootings at synagogues and Jewish schools, is a similar and reoccurring modus operandi, and that is: Criminals for hire,” Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw said at a Tuesday press briefing.
Canadian law enforcement is investigating 27 shootings in the greater Toronto area they believe to be connected by two firearms, among them the March 10 US consulate shooting. Police believe that the firearms are being shared among a network.
Youth are being hired through encrypted apps to carry out attacks against various targets. To get paid, they have to film the attacks.
Toronto Police said that they are still investigating which parties are hiring the youth, and are aware of the US DoJ allegation that an Iranian proxy was behind the consulate shooting.
18-year old Barrie resident Jayon Burgher was arrested in April for a March 29 shooting at a residence, and 18-year old Toronto resident Sheldon Tracey-Stewart was arrested on Thursday for the consulate shooting. Nicholas Bennett, 19, was charged for the shooting of a residence on March 25, in addition for the murder charges he faces for allegedly shooting and killing TPS Constable Marc Pinizzotto during the Thursday arrest.
Zara Jabbi, 19, is still wanted for his role in the consulate shooting. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Pictured: Burgher (left), Tracey-Stewart (right)