Full Breakdown
Toronto Gun-for-Hire Network Tied to Consulate and Synagogue Shootings
6/17/2026, 2:11:43 AM
Core Findings and Scope
Toronto Police Service (TPS) says a multilayered gun-for-hire network is behind dozens of Greater Toronto Area shootings, including the March 10 U.S. Consulate attack, synagogue shootings and assaults on waste-management sites. Recruiters use encrypted apps (Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp) to hire young adults, pay per hit and require video proof. Two handguns seized in June raids—a 9 mm linked to six shootings and a .45-calibre weapon linked to 21—are tied to multiple incidents; the Guardian cites 27 shootings, ABC 25, and the Globe and Mail 21 and six.
Key Figures and Suspects
Chief Myron Demkiw and Superintendent Joe Matthews lead the probe. Charged are 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett (first-degree murder for Constable Marc Pinizzotto’s death), 18-year-olds Jayon Burgher and Sheldon Tracey-Stewart (linked to the consulate shooting), and 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, still at large. Lawyer Ian Scott, former SIU director, raised concerns. U.S. prosecutors allege Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, tied to Iran’s IRGC, claimed responsibility for the consulate attack.
Timeline of Key Incidents
Key incidents include the March 10 consulate shooting (no injuries), March 25 and 26 attacks on a Scarborough residence and a jiu-jitsu studio, April 14-15 arrests of Burgher and Tracey-Stewart, the June 11 raid that killed Constable Pinizzotto, and the June 16 press conference announcing the gun-for-hire network.
Official Statements & Responses
Demkiw said bad actors are using criminal elements to create fear in communities, including the Jewish community, and that TPS is working with the RCMP and FBI to trace paymasters. Matthews said the seized firearms are being swapped among shooters and called the probe very complex. The FBI’s complaint links the consulate shooting to al-Saadi’s alleged terrorist network.
Criticism & Concerns
Ian Scott warned the phenomenon is “a bit of a domino process” with major public-safety impact and noted the youths may receive minimal pay, raising exploitation concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of shootings linked to the seized guns—27, 25, 21 or 6. U.S. prosecutors blame al-Saadi, but Toronto officials have not confirmed foreign sponsorship, saying the probe remains open.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What we know is that bad actors are using criminal elements in our city to carry out these dangerous incidents,” — Myron Demkiw
- “It is clear that some of the people hiring these criminals want to create a sense of fear in our communities, including the Jewish community.” — Myron Demkiw
- “This is what we are trying to determine.” — Myron Demkiw
- “It's a bit of a domino process, which just requires working your way up what could be a rather elaborate food chain,” — Ian Scott
What’s Next
TPS continues to search for Zara Jabbi, expects more arrests, and works with the RCMP and FBI on ballistics and funding to map the network.
