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.
NAKHCHIVAN, Azerbaijan — Authorities in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic reported that drones launched from the territory of Iran struck locations within the region on Thursday afternoon, damaging infrastructure and injuring at least two civilians, according to an official government statement.
The incident occurred on March 5, when two unmanned aerial vehicles entered Azerbaijani airspace and crashed at separate locations within the autonomous region.
Officials said one of the drones struck the terminal building at Nakhchivan International Airport, causing structural damage to the facility.
A second drone crashed near a school building in the village of Shakarabad.
Authorities confirmed that two civilians were injured in the attacks. The extent of their injuries has not been publicly detailed, but both individuals were reported to have received medical treatment.
In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani government strongly condemned what it described as drone strikes originating from Iranian territory.
“We strongly condemn these drone attacks from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and the injury of two civilians,” the statement read.
Azerbaijan said the attack on its territory violates international law and warned that such actions risk escalating tensions in an already sensitive regional environment.
“This attack on the territory of Azerbaijan is contrary to the norms and principles of international law and serves to increase tensions in the region,” the ministry said.
Following the incident, Azerbaijan summoned Mujtaba Darmichilu, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, to the foreign ministry in Baku. Azerbaijani officials said a formal diplomatic protest would be delivered to the Iranian government demanding clarification regarding the incident.
The Azerbaijani government has also called on Iran to take urgent steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Officials added that Azerbaijan reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures if necessary.
Authorities have not yet released additional technical details about the drones involved or whether they were armed or conducting surveillance. Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.