Toronto police are searching for three masked men who escaped in a holiday car after walking to the opening night around Scarborough on Friday night.
Six people suffered from life-threatening gunshot wounds, and six were injured in the attack. Police said surveillance video of the attack showed two men fired handguns at the crowd, and the other gunmen fired what looked like an attack rifle.
I’ll talk to reporters outside the pub just after 2am on Saturday. Paul McIntyre called the shooting “a reckless act of violence” and called it “very lucky” that no one had died.
Macintyre said surveillance video from the pub filmed an “horrifying” scene on investigators. The three suspects entered the pub wearing masks. One had an attacking rifle, while the other had a handgun, and he said he was indiscriminately fired.
“We’ve seen a lot of shootings over the years, and a lot of the videos, you get caught up in that to some extent, but tonight’s filming, these guys just looked at the crowd and opened the fire,” Mattintyre said. “That was scary.”
The video, which is not open to the public, watches tables, booths and bars immediately ducking for covers and enjoying food and drinks as soon as filming begins. After being hit, some fell to the floor. When police arrived, McIntyre said some patrons were still lying on the floor or sitting where they were shot.
The pub floor was still covered in broken glass and blood early Saturday morning, he said…
…Police say there is no description of the suspect, the suspect wearing a facial mask, or the vehicle that arrived and escaped.
CBC Video Report:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vza75l16vte
Video posted by Toronto Star of briefing by Toronto Police:
Paul McIntyre, the superintendent of the Organized Crime Enforcement Division, spoke with a reporter near the scene of the mass shooting at the Piper Arms Pub early Saturday morning.
@kglautens pic.twitter.com/xtthoehadu
– Torontostar (@torontostar) March 8, 2025
Reactions by officials:
Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford posted on Saturday’s filming: The Toronto Police have my full support as they put the person in charge on trial. My thoughts are with the victims and their families, and I hope that all those affected by this terrible shooting will be fully recovered. ”
The shooting that took place in Scarborough last night was a brave act of unacceptable violence. The Toronto Police have my full support as they put the responsible person on trial.
My thoughts lie with the victims and their families, and I pray for it…
– Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 8, 2025
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said, “I’m deeply troubled hearing reports of shootings at a pub in Scarborough. I spoke with Chief Demcue and he ensured that all the necessary resources were deployed. This is an early and ongoing investigation. The police will provide further details. My thoughts are with the victim and their families.”
Hearing reports of shootings at a pub in Scarborough is deeply troubled. I spoke to Chief Demcue and he ensured that all the necessary resources were deployed. This is an early and continuous investigation. Police will provide further details. My thoughts are…
– Mayor Olivia Chow (@Mayoroliviachow) March 8, 2025
Scarborough Centre Councillor Michael Thompson said, “I am saddened by the shooting at Piper Arms last night. I encourage and plead all citizens to call Toronto Police at (416-808-2500). We are not copious with people within us who threaten the security and enjoyment of our city.”
I’m saddened by the shooting at Piper Arms last night. I encourage and plead all citizens to call Toronto Police at (416-808-2500). We do not cope with people between us who threaten the security and enjoyment of our city. pic.twitter.com/shfblklybi
– Councillor Michael Thompson (@thompson_37) March 8, 2025
Toronto Police A statement was issued on Saturday afternoon. Seeking help from the public:
Information required in the corporate drive area, as well as the progress of the filming survey.
Case #: 2025-493659 Published: Saturday, March 8th, 2025, 1:34pmToronto police are seeking public support in shooting investigations.
On Friday, March 7, 2025, at about 10:39pm, police received multiple reports for shooting in the Progress Avenue and Corporate Drive area.
It is as follows
Three male suspects entered the pub
One suspect was armed with what looked like an attack rifle.
The other two suspects were armed with handguns.
When they entered the pub, the suspect fired a shot at a customer.
Twelve people were injured, six of whom suffered from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.
All victims were taken to hospital due to injuries
Residents will notice an increase in police presence in the area.It urges anyone with information, video footage or witness accounts to assist with this investigation.
Anyone with information will be asked to contact police at 416-808-2510, Crime Stopper, 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at 8477. www.222tips.com.
There is unconfirmed speculation, pub shootings are part of the tow truck shooting war in Toronto.
Four shootings have been reported near the tow truck business over the past week, with 15 truck-related shootings so far in 2025. According to CTV News (excerpt):
Toronto police responded to a shooting near the tow truck yard in Etobicoke on Thursday night, marking the fourth industry-related incident so far this week.
Police say officers were called to a location near Queensway just before 10pm on Thursday to report the shooting.
Police say no injuries were reported, but the vehicle was damaged.
Police say the male suspect was seen fleeing the area in a vehicle.
Also, another firearm was released in front of the towing yard near Westmall and Queensway on Wednesday, but it is unclear whether the two incidents are connected in any way.
Earlier this week, police also responded to two other two-truck-related shootings within an hour of three injuries…
…Police have investigated 15 two-truck-related shootings and firearm emissions so far this year.
