Toronto Faces Surge in Gun Violence: Incidents Up 74% from Last Year Toronto has experienced a dramatic 74 percent increase in gunfire incidents compared to the same period last year, according to Toronto police. The alarming rise in violence has prompted law enforcement to intensify efforts to curb gun crime across the city.Deputy Chief Rob Johnson addressed the issue at a news conference, emphasizing that tackling gun violence remains a top priority. Despite the increase in firearm discharges, the number of gun deaths this year stands at 24, unchanged from 2022. Johnson noted that 2023 was an outlier with an unusually low number of shootings, making this year’s spike even more concerning.The majority of crime guns, around 85 to 90 percent, are reportedly sourced from the United States, primarily from states like Ohio, Florida, Texas, and Michigan. Toronto police are collaborating with both Canadian and U.S. law enforcement agencies to stem the flow of illegal firearms.In response to rising violence within the tow truck industry, police have launched a new Tow Truck Task Force. This initiative aims to address the 24 tow truck-related shootings that have occurred since the beginning of the year, representing 12 percent of all gun incidents city-wide.Another worrying trend is the increasing involvement of younger individuals in gun crimes. Johnson expressed concern over the recruitment of youths into gangs and criminal activities, highlighting the need for community and inter-agency collaboration to address this issue.Despite the unsettling statistics, Johnson reassured the public that Toronto remains relatively safe. However, he stressed the importance of understanding and addressing the underlying causes of this surge in violence.
