Toronto Police Open Hate Crime Investigation After Jewish Girls’ School Hit with Gunfire in 2nd Incident This Year
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Toronto police reported that a Jewish girls’ school, Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School, was targeted by gunfire for the second time this year. The incident occurred around 4:00 a.m. when suspects in a motor vehicle allegedly discharged a firearm at the school, smashing a window with a bullet. The school was empty at the time, and no one was harmed.
Police are investigating whether the two incidents are connected. The hate crime unit is a key part of the investigation due to the timing of the attack on Yom Kippur, a sacred Jewish holiday.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the shooting as a “horrific antisemitic act” and reiterated that the students and teachers have the right to learn and teach in safety without fear of antisemitic attacks. She also stated that police will increase their presence in the area to protect the community.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his disturbance over the incident, stating that antisemitism is a disgusting and dangerous form of hate. He emphasized that his heart goes out to the students, staff, and parents who must be terrified and hurting today.
