Shots fired near US consulate in Toronto, police say

Shots were fired early on Monday at the US consulate in Toronto, Canadian police said, the second shooting near the diplomatic compound in four months. No injuries were reported.

An officer guarding the consulate “heard the sound of a gunshot in the vicinity here where he was stationed” at about 4.45am, the city’s deputy police chief Frank Barredo told reporters, adding that the consulate’s facade was struck by a bullet.

Toronto police said a white car with no licence plates was seen fleeing the scene. Police gave chase but quickly discontinued because of the danger posed by the suspect vehicle’s high speed, Barredo said.

The area was cordoned off and shell casings were found. No suspects have been identified, said police, who confirmed the Toronto Police Service’s counterterrorism unit is involved in the investigation.

The US consulate thanked the police for “their response” to Monday’s shooting.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said it is too early to declare a motive.