Toronto Police Arrest Two “Criminals for Hire” in US Consulate Shooting
Toronto police have arrested two individuals following a shooting at the United States Consulate last month. Authorities said the suspects were “criminals for hire,” paid to carry out violent acts. This incident marked the second shooting at the consulate in five months.
Police arrested a 19-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy on Thursday. This was the second shooting at the United States Consulate in five months. No one was hurt in the July shooting, nor in a similar incident on March 10. Police call both events serious national security matters. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police also began a parallel investigation.
Investigators believe an encrypted messaging application was used to recruit the suspects. They were reportedly offered money to open fire on the consulate building. Police Chief Myron Demkiw stated that finding out who is behind these crimes remains a key focus.
The adult suspect is 19-year-old Xen-Ul-Abdeen Syed. He faces several charges, including firearm offenses, arson, and having stolen property. He is also charged with attacking the premises of an internationally protected person. The 15-year-old boy cannot be identified due to Canadian law.
The July 27 shooting happened around 4:46 AM. A white Honda Accord drove past the consulate, and a single shot hit the front of the building. Despite a marked police car being nearby, the attack still took place. Police briefly chased the car but stopped when it drove too fast.
Chief Superintendent Joe Matthews said that online apps are increasingly used to order crimes like shootings, killings, and arsons. People are hired to shoot at targets and record it for payment. Other targets have included synagogues, Jewish schools, and a waste management company.
Police also say these two suspects set fire to a car outside Toronto three days before the consulate shooting. Two other men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested in June for the March consulate shooting. They were also recruited for violent acts.
