Canadian authorities are investigating whether the death of a Toronto police officer, who was killed while executing search warrants, is connected to a series of global terror attacks. Constable Marc Pinizzotto, a 43-year-old member of the emergency task force, died on Thursday during a dawn raid on an apartment building in west Toronto.
Toronto police chief Myron Demkiw confirmed to reporters that the search operation was related to "a number of shootings," including an incident at the US consulate in Toronto in early March. During that attack, two gunmen opened fire on the consulate, though no injuries were reported, and the suspects subsequently fled the scene in a white vehicle.
A police source has indicated that the investigation is exploring whether the consulate shooters are part of a broader, city-wide network of "shooters-for-hire." This network is suspected of targeting various locations, including buildings owned by a large waste management company and private residences. Furthermore, investigators are considering potential ties between these shooters and a series of escalating attacks on tow truck companies in Toronto and surrounding communities in recent years, which have involved high-profile murders and allegations of police corruption.
Crucially, the source also revealed that investigators are examining the possibility of a link to a global terror network. This network is believed to have threatened retribution for US actions against Iran. In May, US authorities charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, an Iraqi national, with terrorism, alleging he orchestrated nearly 20 attacks in Europe. US court documents suggest al-Saadi claimed responsibility for the Toronto consulate shooting, with the FBI alleging he stated in a recorded call that "our people" were behind the incident.
American prosecutors have identified al-Saadi as being behind a previously unknown group named Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia. This organisation is alleged to collaborate with Iran's Revolutionary Guard to target interests linked to the US and Israel. While the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) did not comment on a potential connection, local media reported that RCMP officers were present during the morning search in Toronto.
Nineteen-year-old Nicholas Bennett has been charged with the first-degree murder of Constable Pinizzotto. Police are actively searching for another 19-year-old, Zara Jabbi, warning that he is likely armed. Ontario's Special Investigations Unit, which probes incidents where civilians are seriously injured or killed by police, is also investigating the shooting. Constable Pinizzotto was a father of two, an avid hockey player, and a youth coach, remembered for his 18 years of service and dedication to his community. Tributes have been paid by local and national politicians, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Ontario Premier Doug Ford.