Four new arrests made in connection with 'deliberate' attacks on Toronto Jewish community members

National Post
Toronto Police seized this gel blaster imitation firearm in its investigation leading to four new arrests for alleged attacks against visibly Jewish community members in Toronto.

Four additional arrests have been made in connection with two alleged hate-motivated incidents deliberately targeting Toronto Jewish community members on April 30 and May 7, 2026 with ‘gel blaster’ imitation firearms.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, Chief Superintendent Kathleen Stephenson said during a press conference at Toronto Police Headquarters on Wednesday afternoon, two adult men, one male youth, and one female youth have been arreste d and charged. She added that investigators are also seeking two additional suspects, a male and a female.

“These incidents appear to have been organized and planned, with more than one individual involved in their co-ordination,” said Stephenson.

“Beyond those directly affected (these incidents) create fear, anxiety, and uncertainty for countless others who see themselves reflected in the victims. People may question whether they are safe attending religious services, walking in their neighbourhoods, or openly expressing who they are. That is why we take these investigations so seriously.”

During the first incident, individuals visibly identifiable as Jewish were allegedly shot at from a passing vehicle using an imitation firearm. Then on May 7, police responded to a second incident outside the Congregation Chasidei Bobov synagogue on Bathurst Street. Three other Jewish community members from the synagogue were allegedly targeted in the same manner.

After the second incident, Toronto Police investigators arrested and charged an 18-year-old man from Vaughan.

The TPS Counter Terrorism Security Unit continued to follow the evidence, executing search warrants and identifying others allegedly involved, said Stephenson, crediting members of the unit with extensive investigative work that led to the latest arrests.

“While this matter remains before the courts, allegations of targeted violence and hate against any community demand a thorough and determined response, said Stephenson. “We also recognize that incidents like these can be an early warning sign of something more serious. When allegations of targeted, hate-motivated violence come to our attention, early intervention matters.”

The Centre for Jewish and Israel Affairs issued a statement about the arrests on Wednesday afternoon. In a post of the statement to X, the CIJA wrote: “ We commend the Toronto Police Service, including the Counter-Terrorism Unit and the Hate Crime Unit, for their diligence in bringing those responsible to justice. But arrests alone will not solve this crisis.”

Noting the involvement of youth in these latest alleged attacks, the CIJA said that we are “witnessing the consequences of radicalization and the normalization of hate. Governments, institutions, and authorities at every level must confront the forces driving this hatred and violence before more Canadians are put at risk.”

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