Full Breakdown
Toronto’s Gun-for-Hire Networks Behind Consulate Shooting and Citywide Violence
6/18/2026, 9:21:47 AM
Consulate Shooting and Emerging Gun-for-Hire Networks
On March 10 2026, two men in a Honda fired a handgun at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto. They filmed the attack before fleeing; no one inside was injured. Police say the incident is part of a “multi-layered” network that recruits teenagers via encrypted apps (WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram) and pays only after video submission. The same method has been used in attacks on synagogues, Jewish schools and waste-management sites.
Key Actors and Suspects
Chief Myron Demkiw and Chief Superintendent Joe Matthews head a Toronto-RCMP-FBI probe. Arrested suspects are 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett, 18-year-old Sheldon Tracey-Stewart and 18-year-old Jayon Burgher; 19-year-old Zara Jabbi remains at large. U.S. officials link the plot to Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Al-Saadi.
Timeline of Key Incidents
The March 10 consulate shooting was followed by a high-rise apartment attack (Mar 25) and a storefront attack (Mar 26). Constable Marc Pinizzotto was killed in a June 11 raid, and three arrests followed on June 16.
Scope and Statistics
Police seized a 9 mm handgun linked to at least six shootings and a .45-caliber pistol tied to 21-28 incidents; both U.S.-origin weapons are linked to 25-28 citywide shootings, including synagogues.
Official Responses
Demkiw warned that “bad actors” are using criminal elements to create fear, especially in the Jewish community. Matthews said “younger” networks operate concurrently. The RCMP, FBI and Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force are tracing money and conducting ballistic analysis.
Community Reaction
CIJA demanded accountability, saying extremist narratives abroad are fueling local violence. Former SIU director Ian Scott warned the situation is “having a major impact upon public safety.”
On-the-Ground Impact
Constable Marc Pinizzotto, 43, died after being shot in a North York raid. Arrests of Bennett, Tracey-Stewart and Burgher are confirmed; Zara Jabbi remains at large.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on the number of shootings linked to the seized guns (25, 27 or 28) and on how many networks operate (“multiple” vs. “several”). U.S. filings implicate Al-Saadi, but Canadian officials have not confirmed his role.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What we know is bad actors are using criminal elements in our city to carry out these dangerous incidents,” — Myron Demkiw, Toronto Police Chief
- “Through encrypted messaging apps, young people are hired to carry out attacks against various targets, and in order to get paid, they're required to film their attacks.” — Myron Demkiw
- “The network we are investigating, as it's unfolding, it seems there are multiple networks multi-layered that the actual actors committing the violence are younger in age,” — Joe Matthews, Chief Superintendent
- “The perpetrators of these shootings and those directing these attacks on Canadian soil must be held accountable.” — Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA)
Next Steps
Police will keep testing ballistics, seek further warrants and pursue Zara Jabbi. Joint Toronto-RCMP-FBI work aims to trace the financial backers behind the encrypted-app scheme.
