World
One Dead, Five Injured in Lawrence Heights Shooting Linked to Possible Gang Violence
TORONTO, ON — A brazen act of violence in the Lawrence Heights neighbourhood has left one man dead and five others injured, including several with gunshot wounds described as non-life-threatening.
The incident, which occurred on the evening of Tuesday, June 3, has prompted concerns about escalating gang violence in the area.
Toronto police and paramedics responded to multiple 911 calls just after 8:30 p.m. reporting gunfire near Flemington Road and Zachary Court, close to Ranee Avenue and Allen Road.
Upon arrival, first responders found several victims at the scene and began administering emergency medical care.
Paramedics initially reported treating seven individuals with varying injuries ranging from critical to serious.
Police have since confirmed that one man was pronounced deceased on scene, and five others were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The identity of the deceased has not been formally released, but sources indicate the victim was a paraplegic man in a wheelchair, reportedly a close associate of Toronto rapper Top5.
This shooting comes just days after Top5, a controversial figure in the Toronto hip-hop scene, walked free following a first-degree murder charge being stayed.
The victim’s connection to the rapper has intensified speculation that the attack may be gang-related or retaliatory in nature.
Police have not released any information about potential suspects, and no arrests have been made at this time.
A mobile command post has been established near Ranee Avenue and Flemington Road, where officers are conducting interviews, collecting surveillance footage, and canvassing the neighbourhood.
Residents in the area are being urged to remain vigilant and avoid the vicinity as the investigation continues.
Law enforcement officials are appealing to the public for any information that could assist with identifying those responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto Police Service directly or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
This incident underscores a troubling spike in gun violence in North York and has reignited conversations around public safety, community investment, and gang intervention programs.
Indian police confirmed Tuesday that Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, was an Indian citizen who emigrated from India nearly three decades ago.
Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire on attendees at the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, killing 15 people and injuring several others.
In a statement, police in India’s southern state of Telangana said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment.
“Based on information available from family members in India, Sajid Akram maintained minimal contact with his relatives in Hyderabad over the past 27 years,” the statement said.
Authorities noted that Akram returned to India on six occasions following his migration, primarily for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to elderly parents.
Police added that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
Indian officials emphasized that there were no adverse records or criminal history associated with Akram during his time in India.
Family members told investigators they were unaware of any extremist views, radical activity, or behaviors that might have suggested violent tendencies.
“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the police statement said.
Australian immigration records list Naveed Akram, 24, as an Australian citizen, according to authorities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an act of terrorism and stated that investigators believe the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology, with the intent of instilling fear within Australia’s Jewish community.
He announced plans to pursue stronger gun control measures, noting that the older suspect legally possessed a firearms license for recreational hunting.
Authorities and community leaders have begun publicly identifying victims of the attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration meant to mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday.
Those confirmed deceased include religious leaders, community volunteers, elderly residents, a retired police officer, a young immigrant, and a child.
Among the victims identified so far are:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi
- Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitin, 53, Chabad emissary and Sydney Beth Din secretary
- Alex Kleytman, 87, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor
- Dan Elkayam, 27, a recent immigrant from France
- Reuven Morrison, 62, who reportedly attempted to confront the attackers unarmed
- Matilda Britvan, 10, who attended the event with her family
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, remembered for protecting others
- Peter Meagher, 61, a retired police officer and volunteer photographer
- Marika Pogany, 82, a longtime community volunteer
- Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, a married couple who reportedly attempted to disarm one of the attackers, actions believed to have saved lives
Officials said additional victim names may be released as the investigation continues and families are formally notified.
Police identified the alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, who remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.
Video circulating online appears to show two men dressed in dark clothing firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club as crowds fled in panic.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Authorities in Australia and India continue to coordinate as officials seek to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and its radicalization pathway.
May the victims’ memories be honored and their families supported during this time of profound loss.