Canada Arrests Two Suspects in Shooting Targeting US Consulate

Toronto police announced on August 7 the arrest of two suspects linked to a shooting at the U.S. Consulate in late July, describing the individuals as 'hired criminals.'

According to police, a 19-year-old man and a 15-year-old teenager were taken into custody in connection with the second shooting targeting a U.S. diplomatic mission in five months. The incident occurred on July 27, following a similar attack on March 10. No injuries were reported in either case, but police have classified both as matters of 'national security.'

The March shooting prompted heightened police protection for U.S. and Israeli diplomatic buildings across several Canadian cities amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police also launched a parallel investigation, treating the shooting as a national security matter.

Speaking at a press conference, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said authorities believe the suspects were recruited through an encrypted messaging app and paid to open fire on the consulate. 'There has been significant public interest and speculation about who is behind these crimes. That remains the focus of our investigation,' Demkiw said.

The adult suspect has been identified as Xen-Ul-Abdeen Syed, 19, facing charges related to weapons, arson, possession of stolen property, and attacking the premises of a protected person under international law. The 15-year-old was also charged, but under Canadian law their identity cannot be disclosed.

According to police, the July 27 shooting occurred around 4:46 a.m. local time, when a white Honda Accord drove past the consulate and fired a single shot that struck the building's facade. Officers pursued the vehicle but had to abandon the chase due to the suspects' excessive speed.

Toronto police noted that shootings, killings, and arsons are increasingly being 'ordered' through online applications, with payments varying based on the nature of the crime. Suspects are hired to shoot at targets and record video to receive payment. Targets have included synagogues, Jewish schools, a waste management company, and the U.S. Consulate.

'In many cases, we know they did not get paid,' said Joe Matthews, Toronto Police's director of investigations.

Police also allege the two suspects are connected to a vehicle arson in a Toronto suburb three days before the consulate shooting. Earlier, in June, police arrested two men aged 18 and 19 in connection with the March shooting, accusing them of being recruited to commit violent acts.