Toronto police arrested an 18-year-old Vaughan man in connection with two replica-firearm shootings targeting members of Toronto’s Jewish community. The man is currently out on bail with conditions. The first incident occurred on April 30th near Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue West, when three pedestrians were shot at from a vehicle and suffered minor injuries. A second shooting took place on May 7th outside the Chasidei Bobov synagogue, where one person was struck after three people were fired upon from a passing vehicle.  

The Jewish Security Network (JSN) played a critical role in the response. A community member identified key information outside the synagogue, including the license plate involved, and shared it through Shomrim Toronto. JSN then worked directly with law enforcement in real time, helping police move quickly and make an arrest.

Sara Lefton, UJA's chief development officer, said that the community is shaken but determined to keep attending synagogue, while stressing rising antisemitic incidents have been normalized and require stronger action.

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