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.
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.
I am hiding inside eaton center. Thousands were crushed because of stampede in food court of Eaton.
— پنگول خان 🐱🐾 (@infoir) June 17, 2019
SHOOTING:
Nathan Phillip's Square
-Bay St and Albert St
-Police have located 2 victims
-Injuries serious but not life threatening
-2 people in custody
-2 firearms recovered
-Investigating
^dh— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) June 17, 2019
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.
Crazy rush out of Nathan Phillips Square. Not sure what but likely not good. Raptors parade and celebration. pic.twitter.com/gBu06RncQt
— Kevin (@KRD13) June 17, 2019
Paramedics working on one of the victims, a woman in her 30s, before transporting her by ambulance. pic.twitter.com/wWo2LOc96o
— Alan Carter (@ACarterglobal) June 17, 2019
I’m on the roof of city hall and something is happening. People are running including what looks to be cops and security pic.twitter.com/FEbhw88OqI
— Jennifer Pagliaro (@jpags) June 17, 2019
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.
#shooting in Donwtown, Toronto.. #attack #toronto #torontoraptors pic.twitter.com/uIc1UYb1ym
— POURYA ALI (@pourya_ali) June 17, 2019
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