Full Breakdown
Toronto Police Probe ‘Criminals-for-Hire’ Network Behind Consulate and Synagogue Shootings
6/19/2026, 5:48:38 AM
Core Event: Gun-For-Hire Network Behind Consulate and Synagogue Attacks
Toronto police say a loosely organized group of young shooters recruited via encrypted messaging apps has carried out dozens of gun attacks across the Greater Toronto Area, including the March shooting at the U.S. Consulate on University Avenue and multiple incidents at synagogues and Jewish schools.
Background & Key Figures
Secretary of State for Combating Crime Ruby Sahota said the shooters were “paid-for hires, hired by a foreign entity.” Police Chief Myron Demkiw called the pattern “criminals for hire” recruited through encrypted apps. Arrested or wanted suspects include 18-year-old Sheldon Tracy-Stewart, 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett (injured), 19-year-old Zara Jabbi (wanted) and 18-year-old Jayon Burgher. U.S. prosecutors have linked the consulate attack to Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, alleged Kataib Hezbollah commander with ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Timeline & Data
- Mar 25 2024: Shots at the U.S. Consulate and a Scarborough location.
- Mar 26: Similar Etobicoke shooting.
- Jun 11: Dawn raid on 15 Martha Eaton Way killed Constable Marc Pinizzotto; two handguns seized, linked to 27 shootings (six and 21 incidents).
- Jun 12-13: Arrests of Tracy-Stewart, Burgher and others; search for Jabbi continues.
Why It Matters
The attacks on public buildings and synagogues have heightened fear in the Jewish community and raised concerns about foreign-backed violence in Canada. U.S. officials allege an Iranian-backed network orchestrated the consulate shooting, indicating a transnational threat.
Official Statements & Responses
Sahota warned that “paid-for hires” were used by a foreign entity. Demkiw said investigators are still determining who finances the attacks, asking “Who’s paying for this?” Police spokesperson Stephanie Sayer confirmed Bennett remains hospitalized and unconscious. Minister Gary Anandasangaree’s office, via Simon Lafortune, said the minister is aware of reports linking the incidents to foreign actors.
Criticism & Opposition
U.S. prosecutors allege al-Saadi and Kataib Hezbollah directed the consulate attack, while Toronto police have not confirmed any direct link and say they are keeping an open mind about the foreign sponsor’s identity.
On-the-Ground Reports
Constable Marc Pinizzotto was fatally shot during the June 11 raid. Nicholas Bennett, also 19, suffered serious injuries and now faces a first-degree murder charge for the officer’s death.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
U.S. officials tie the consulate shooting to Iranian-backed groups, but Canadian investigators have not verified that link. The foreign entity paying the gun-for-hire network remains unidentified, and al-Saadi’s alleged statements about “our guys” in Canada lack corroboration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “were paid-for hires, hired by a foreign entity.” — Ruby Sahota, Secretary of State for Combating Crime
- “Who's paying for this? This is what we are trying to determine,” — Myron Demkiw, Toronto Police Service Chief
- “Bennett is still in hospital and is currently unconscious.” — Stephanie Sayer, Toronto Police spokesperson
- “is aware of reports regarding recent incidents in Toronto with possible links to foreign actors.” — Simon Lafortune, Public Safety spokesperson
What’s Next: Ongoing Searches and International Cooperation
Police continue to search for Zara Jabbi and any recruiters, coordinating with the RCMP and the FBI; additional raids and forensic analysis of the seized firearms are planned as the investigation proceeds.
