Toronto Raptors Parade Shooting Leaves Four Wounded

Thankfully, none of the injuries were life-threatening.

BYErika Marie
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Ron Turenne/NBAE

Tens of thousands of people gathered onto the streets of Toronto to watch their NBA Championship team be honored with a parade. The Raptors—and Drake—drove through hoards of screaming, adoring fans who wore their favorite Raptors gear and clamored for a glimpse of the famous sports figures. It was a cheerful, light-hearted afternoon until gunshots rang out in the crowd. Original reports stated that one person was injured, but NPR now sayd that emergency responders tended to the wounds of four individuals.

Thankfully, none of the injuries reported were life-threatening and the four people were treated at local hospitals. According to police, they were able to quickly identify and arrest three suspects in connection with the shooting. "We do have people arrested with firearms, and that's the start of the investigation," Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders told reporters. He then asked witnesses to come forward with any information. The motivation behind the shooting was not revealed.

When the gunshots rang out, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Toronto Mayor John Tory, and Raptors players were onstage. Sportscaster Matt Devlin was hosting the event and alerted the crowd that something serious had happened. "I want to make sure everyone stays calm," Devlin said. "This is serious. Everyone stay calm...There is an emergency being dealt with." Andrew Singh, a witness, said "we just saw the girl drop to the floor and the guy running off," Singh told the AP. "All I heard was, 'bop bop bop.'"

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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.