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Chaos after two people shot at Toronto Raptors victory parade

Chaos has ensued along the streets of Toronto after two people were shot during the Raptors’ NBA Championship celebrations.

On what was meant to be a joyous occasion for the team’s fans, police in the city alerted the public about a shooting at Nathan Phillips Square at the heart of the event.

Toronto Police confirmed they had located two victims. Their injuries are serious but not life-threatening.

First responders help treat an injured person after a shooting in Toronto during the Raptors victory parade..
First responders attend to an injured person after shots were fired. Source: AP via AAP

Police also said there were two people in custody and two firearms seized.

Footage on social media shows thousands fleeing from the scene through crowded streets.

An attendee at the scene tweeted “thousands were crushed” as they rushed into a food court to take cover.

Concerns had already been voiced about overcrowding along the streets and in squares, with an estimated two million people descending on the parade.

A woman with a head injury is stretchered into an ambulance. Source: Getty
A woman with a head injury is stretchered into an ambulance. Source: Getty
Police monitor a cordoned off area in the city. Source: Getty
Police monitor a cordoned off area in the city. Source: Getty
People gathered in Toronto to celebrate the Toronto Raptors' NBA championship victory.
An estimated two million people were expected to gather at the Toronto Raptors victory parade. Source: Reuters

Police have also confirmed there was a stabbing near the Eaton Centre, with multiple people injured.

Fans at in the area could be seen running from the south side of the square.

The incident was announced on stage during the celebration, but speeches have continued for the time being.

NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard raises the trophy on top of the bus during the Toronto Raptors Championship parade. Source: Getty
NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard raises the trophy on top of the bus during the Toronto Raptors Championship parade. Source: Getty

There are five double-decker buses carrying the Raptors players, their families and Canadian musician Drake, which moved at a crawl due to the crowds.

Players including Kawhi Leonard, who was named the most valuable player of NBA Finals, sprayed champagne on the fans.

Mayor John Tory and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were also at the celebrations.

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