Toronto: Toronto Police have arrested two people in connection with last month’s shooting outside the United States Consulate in Toronto, describing them as “criminals for hire” who were allegedly recruited through an encrypted messaging application and offered money to carry out violent acts.
The arrests relate to the July 27 shooting, the second attack targeting the US Consulate in Toronto within five months. Authorities said no one was injured in either incident, but both are being investigated as matters involving national security.
Suspects face multiple charges
Police identified the adult suspect as 19-year-old Xen-Ul-Abdeen Syed, who faces several charges, including firearm offences, arson, possession of stolen property and attacking the premises of an internationally protected person. A 15-year-old has also been charged, but Canadian law prohibits the identification of minors.
Investigators believe the suspects were recruited online through an encrypted messaging platform, where they were allegedly promised payment for carrying out the attack. However, police said such recruits often do not receive the money they are promised.
Shootings linked to organised online recruitment
According to investigators, shootings, arson attacks and other violent crimes are increasingly being commissioned through encrypted apps. Individuals are allegedly hired to target locations, record the attacks and send the footage in exchange for payment.
Police said the two suspects are also accused of setting fire to a vehicle in a community outside Toronto just days before the consulate shooting.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) continue to conduct a parallel national security investigation. Authorities have not yet revealed who may have organised or financed the attacks, saying the investigation remains ongoing.
The first shooting occurred on March 10, prompting heightened security around US and Israeli diplomatic missions across several Canadian cities. Two other suspects were arrested in June in connection with that earlier incident.