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.
World
Car Bomb Explosion Near Mall del Sol in Guayaquil Leaves Multiple Dead and Injured

GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR — A powerful car bomb detonated near Mall del Sol in Guayaquil resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries, according to local authorities.
The blast, which sent shockwaves across the bustling commercial district, is being investigated as a possible terror or organized crime-related attack amid Ecuador’s ongoing struggle with rising gang violence.
The explosion occurred near one of the main entrances of Mall del Sol, one of Guayaquil’s largest and busiest shopping centers, located in the north of the city.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and destruction as a vehicle parked along the roadside suddenly erupted into flames, sending a massive fireball and thick black smoke into the air.
Surveillance footage and videos shared on social media captured the moment of the detonation, showing debris flying across the street as nearby cars were engulfed by the blast.
Several storefronts and vehicles in the vicinity were heavily damaged, and windows shattered across multiple nearby buildings.
Initial reports from emergency responders indicate that several people were killed, and multiple others sustained serious injuries.
The exact number of casualties has not yet been officially confirmed as rescue operations continue.
Firefighters, police, and medical teams quickly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area and extinguishing the burning vehicles. Paramedics transported the injured to nearby hospitals, while authorities evacuated the surrounding area to ensure public safety.
Officials from Ecuador’s National Police and Armed Forces have launched an immediate investigation into the attack. Early indications suggest that explosives were deliberately placed inside a parked vehicle, though authorities have not yet disclosed details about the type of device used or any possible suspects.
The Attorney General’s Office and anti-terrorism units are leading the forensic examination of the blast site. Authorities have increased security across Guayaquil and other major Ecuadorian cities, fearing possible coordinated attacks.
Ecuador’s Minister of the Interior condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of violence intended to spread fear among citizens.” The government pledged to bring those responsible to justice and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security amid escalating gang-related violence in the region.
Residents are urged to avoid the Mall del Sol area as the investigation remains active.
Further updates are expected as officials release more information on the number of victims and the circumstances leading up to the explosion.