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Four injured in shooting during Toronto Raptors’ NBA celebration

Posted at 5:01 PM, Jun 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-17 20:09:16-04

Four people suffered “non-life threatening” gunshot injuries during a shooting Monday at the Toronto Raptors’ NBA Championship celebration, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said.

Three people were arrested in two separate incidents connected to the shooting, Saunders said in a briefing Monday.

The incident occurred at Bay and Albert streets near Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto, where huge crowds had gathered to celebrate the Raptors’ victory over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA finals.

Saunders insisted that the incident affected a small group of people during an otherwise jubilant celebration. More than a million people attended the victory rally and “the vast majority didn’t even know this happened,” he said.

Images on social media showed people running from the scene. Saunders said he could not speak to reports that people were trampled, but he resisted the suggestion that a stampede broke out after shots were fired.

A “small burst of people” were scared, he said.

The shooting brought negative attention to a historic celebration. The Raptors’ victory marked the first time the team reached the NBA Finals in its 24-season history.

The celebration began afternoon Monday with a parade featuring open-air double-decker buses carrying the team before arriving at Nathan Phillips Square.

Revelers filled the square to capacity for the rally, which included an appearance from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The master of ceremonies paused briefly to let the crowd know there was an emergency situation, then resumed the festivities.

Related: That’s a ‘Rap’: Toronto Raptors dethrone Warriors to win first NBA title

“It is disappointing and I’m sure a source of anger for more than just me that anyone would carry a gun and discharge it at what was otherwise a joyous celebration,” Mayor John Tory said.

“I hope those responsible will be held to account to the full extent that the law permits,” he said. “I want to commend and thank the millions of other people who happily and peacefully celebrated our beloved Toronto Raptors.”

During the rally, Tory presented the Key to the City today to the team.

He also announced that a stretch of road outside the Scotiabank Arena will receive a ceremonial street dedication as Raptors Way.

“We are so proud of our Toronto Raptors and their championship win. Presenting the entire organization with the City’s highest honor is our way of saying thank you on behalf of all Toronto residents,” he said in a statement.

“This historic playoff run galvanized and united not only Toronto, but all of Canada, bringing together fans from coast to coast to coast. The victory itself and the events surrounding it will inspire Torontonians, especially young people, for years to come.”