Toronto Police Deploy Hate Crime Unit After Jewish-Owned Bakeries Targeted

Toronto police are investigating two separate incidents targeting a Jewish-owned bakery chain that occurred early Sunday morning, as CBC Toronto first reported.

Officers responded to a location near Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue W. where a window was damaged by gunshots. A second location, situated near Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue W., also reported a broken window, though police stated this second incident did not involve gunfire. Duty Insp. Scott Bradbury confirmed during a news conference that no injuries were reported at either site.

Insp. Bradbury stated that the Toronto police hate crime unit and the gun and gang task force are leading the investigation. While investigators have not yet confirmed if the two incidents are linked, Bradbury noted that both businesses belong to the same chain. He stated that police have all resources available to thoroughly investigate the matter, and residents can expect an increased police presence as the investigation continues.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow described the incidents as "vile" and "unacceptable" targeted attacks in a post on X, affirming her support for the city's Jewish community against antisemitism and thanking police for their work to bring the responsible parties to justice.

Community leaders expressed alarm over the attacks. Noah Shack, CEO and president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said the incidents "shattered" the community's sense of peace and security. Shack called on all levels of government to ensure law enforcement is adequately resourced to address these threats.

Adam Minsky, president of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, noted that residents who frequent the bakeries were "incredibly shaken." Minsky characterized the events as part of a broader pattern of shootings in the city this year that has frightened all residents, regardless of faith. He expressed satisfaction that the hate crime unit was involved in the investigation early on.