Local police in Toronto announced this morning (Sunday) that they had opened an investigation after unknown assailants fired at a Jewish school in the city during Yom Kippur.
According to police chief Paul Krawczyk, the incident occurred around 4 a.m. local time on the night between Friday and Saturday. The shooters allegedly opened fire at the girls' elementary school while driving in a car, and then fled the scene. No injuries were reported in the incident, and police stressed that the school was empty and closed due to the holiday.
At this stage, no suspects have been reportedly arrested. This is the second time this year that shots have been reported at the Jewish school in Toronto, after a similar incident occurred last May – and police are investigating whether there is a connection between the two incidents. "I understand that something like this can cause significant trauma in the Jewish community," Krawczyk said. "At this stage, we can't determine if the two incidents are related, but it's certainly an important component of our investigation."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said following the incident that he was "deeply disturbed that during Yom Kippur, there was a shooting at a Jewish school in Toronto. While we wait to hear more details, my heart goes out to the students and parents who must be scared and hurt. Anti-Semitism is a disgusting and dangerous form of hatred – and we will not stand idly by."