A mass shooting at a newly-opened pub in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada, resulted in injuries to 12 people after three masked individuals entered the establishment and began firing at patrons indiscriminately on Friday night, March 7, 2025.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw described the event as an “incredibly brazen act of violence,” as the search for the suspects, who escaped the scene, continues.
The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. at the Piper Arms Pub, situated near the Scarborough Town Centre mall. The pub was celebrating its opening night when the attack unfolded, abruptly transforming the celebration into chaos.
According to police, seven individuals sustained gunshot wounds, while five others were injured by shattered glass. Initially, six were reported with gunshot injuries, but upon further investigation, one person initially thought injured by glass was found to have been grazed by a bullet. All victims are expected to survive, though some have “serious life-altering injuries,” with several struck multiple times. The victims’ ages range from their 20s to mid-50s.
Toronto Police Superintendent Paul MacIntyre addressed reporters outside the pub shortly after 2 a.m., expressing shock at the severity of the attack, captured on the pub’s surveillance footage.
According to MacIntyre, while such incidents and their footage have become disturbingly common, this particular event was especially horrific. He described how the attackers targeted the crowd without hesitation, firing in a chilling manner.
MacIntyre noted that the footage shows one suspect with an assault rifle and the other two with handguns. The video, not released to the public, shows patrons enjoying their evening before quickly seeking cover when the shooting began, with some victims falling after being hit.
Upon arrival, police found some victims still on the floor or seated where they had been shot. MacIntyre described the scene inside as “eerie,” with drinks and food left on tables, and personal items like purses and shoes abandoned.
“It looks like we had a mass-casualty shooting inside a pub,” MacIntyre stated.
Unverified videos reportedly from inside the pub post-incident have surfaced online, showing broken glass, blood on the floor, and emergency personnel assisting victims. One detail from these videos shows a drink pitcher placed over a bullet casing. Police have not commented on the authenticity of this footage.
Speculation about potential motives has emerged as investigations continue. Scarborough Centre Councillor Michael Thompson suggested a link to violence in the towing industry, based on calls from “individuals connected with the industry.” However, Police Chief Demkiw refrained from speculating on motives when questioned by reporters.
The suggestion of a connection to the towing industry arises amid growing concern over violence in that sector. Police data shows that in 2024, 63 firearm discharge and shooting incidents were related to tow truck disputes, accounting for nearly 13% of all shootings in Toronto. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has previously condemned the violence associated with the towing industry, highlighting the risk to innocent lives.
Toronto Police have initiated a task force to address crime and violence in the tow truck industry, although no official link has been made between this shooting and ongoing issues.
Local residents expressed shock at the violence in their community. Lemaun Bailey-McIntosh, shopping near the crime scene on Saturday morning, told CBC Toronto: “Pedestrians were walking by, [people were] having a good time on a Friday night, and just to see something like this, it’s terrible. Thank God nobody got killed.”
The area surrounding the pub remained taped off throughout the weekend as investigators continued collecting evidence.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed concern for the victims and their families, mentioning that she had spoken with Chief Demkiw, who assured her that resources and unit commanders were engaged in the investigation throughout the night and morning.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also expressed concern for the victims and their families. In a post on X, he stated that such violence “will not be tolerated” and that Toronto police have his full support in bringing those responsible to justice.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the attack or has dashcam video from the area to contact them as they continue their search for the three suspects, who fled the scene in a vehicle post-shooting.