A second suspect has been charged in connection with two March shootings that targeted synagogues in the Toronto area, the Toronto Police Service and York Regional Police said on Friday.
A 17-year-old man from Waterloo, who was arrested on Wednesday, faces two counts each of reckless discharge of a gun, conspiracy to commit an indictable offense and weapons trafficking, police said.
Investigators allege that the suspect and another teen, who was charged earlier in the month, fired shots at Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto, a Modern Orthodox synagogue in a suburb of the city, shortly before midnight on March 6. Two people were inside at the time, but no injuries were reported, police said.
Shortly after midnight on March 7, the suspects allegedly fired at Shaarei Shomayim, a Modern Orthodox synagogue in Toronto.
Police said both buildings sustained damage to their entrances consistent with gunfire.
A hate crimes unit was involved in the investigation, per the police departments. JNS asked the Toronto Police Service why hate crime charges weren’t brought against the suspect.
The UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, the advocacy group of Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, stated that “these investigations are complex, and the coordination between forces reflects the seriousness with which these attacks are being treated.”
“The nature of the charges laid in this case, including conspiracy and weapons trafficking offenses, underscores the gravity of what occurred. These were not acts of vandalism or mischief. They were targeted acts of violence directed at Jewish houses of worship,” the Jewish groups said.
“The fact that the accused is a youth is deeply troubling. It underscores growing concerns about the radicalization of young people and the normalization of hate online and in our communities,” they said. “Hate, extremism and political violence are increasingly reaching younger audiences, with real-world consequences for public safety and community security.”
“Multiple shootings targeting synagogues represent a dangerous escalation, not only for the Jewish community but for the broader safety and social cohesion of our country,” they added. “We will continue working with partners at all levels to ensure the safety and security of Jewish institutions and to address the conditions that allow hate to take root.”
