Teenager charged in two Toronto synagogue shootings that took place in March

by AJNews staff

(AJNews) – The York Regional Police Firearms Investigations Team and the Hate Crime Prevention Unit, along with the Toronto Police Service Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, supported by the Counter-Terrorism Security Unit (Hate Crime Unit), have charged an 18-year-old male in connection with March shootings at synagogues in the cities of Vaughan and Toronto, Ontario.

The suspect is not being named as he was 17-years-old at the time of the offence.

On Friday, March 6, 2026, just before midnight, sounds of gunshots were reported in the area of Clark Avenue West and York Hill Boulevard. When York Regional Police officers arrived, they observed the front doors of a synagogue had been damaged by gunfire.

Two occupants, who were inside the synagogue at the time of the shooting, were not injured.

Just after midnight, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, Toronto Police Service officers responded to reports of gunshots at a synagogue in the area of Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue. When officers arrived, they located damage to the synagogue’s front entrance consistent with gunfire.

No one was inside at the time of the shooting and no injuries were reported.

Following a lengthy joint forces investigation, investigators have identified and charged an 18 year-old-male of no fixed address, in relation to both incidents. The charges include discharging a firearm into a place (x2), mischief to property over $5000 (x2), unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm, careless storage of a prohibited device, and occupying a prohibited device in a motor vehicle.

In response, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto (UJA) made the following statement: “We are encouraged to learn that a suspect has been charged in connection with the shootings at Shaarei Shomayim in Toronto and Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto (BAYT) in Vaughan this past March. These attacks shook the sense of safety not only for those congregations, but for Jewish communities across the region.

“We thank the Toronto Police Service and York Regional Police for their diligence and coordination in advancing this investigation. Their work sends a clear signal that those who target our community will be identified and held accountable.

“Strong and consistent enforcement of the law is essential. The Jewish community, like all Canadians, must have confidence that acts of violence and intimidation will be met with serious consequences.

“Multiple shootings targeting synagogues represent a dangerous escalation. Canada’s reputation as a safe and inclusive country depends on our collective willingness to confront this reality directly. We will continue working with partners at all levels to ensure the safety and security of Jewish institutions and to address the conditions that allow hate to take root.

“As the Jewish Security Network (JSN) continues to work closely with law enforcement, we encourage community members to stay aware of their surroundings and report any concerns.”