Three Dead in North Toronto Office Shooting Near Daycare and School

Toronto police officers investigate after several adults died in the lobby of an office space in Toronto, Monday, June 17, 2024. Police responded to reports of gunshots in an area near a school and a daycare.

A man and woman were fatally shot Monday at a north Toronto office space near a daycare center and a Catholic all-boys elementary school. Authorities also confirmed the suspected shooter died at the scene, prompting a lockdown of the nearby facilities as parents rushed to pick up their children.

Detective Sgt. Al Bartlett revealed that the victims worked together in a financial transaction business. "It's our belief at this point that the altercation that took place is in relation to that business," Bartlett stated. He also confirmed that the suspected shooter was among the deceased.

Toronto police officers investigate after several people died in the lobby of an office space in Toronto, Monday, June 17, 2024. Police responded to reports of gunshots in an area near a school and a daycare

The identities of the victims and the shooter have been withheld pending family notification. Bartlett declined to comment on whether the suspect took his own life or died by other means, as the investigation is ongoing.

Bartlett assured the public that no children were injured and that there was no direct access between the daycare center and the office where the shooting occurred.

Toronto police officers comfort a man at the scene of a fatal shooting in Toronto, Monday, June 17, 2024.

Shahrokh Biniaz, a graphic designer and photographer with a studio in the building, described hearing a loud bang followed by an argument in the reception area. "I didn’t know what it was, thought it was maybe a circuit breaker or something because it was really loud," Biniaz said. He heard a second bang two minutes later, followed by more arguing, and then exited the building through a back door before calling 911. He heard another round of gunshots after police arrived.

Parents were visibly relieved as they hugged their children outside the police tape at St. George Mini School daycare. A supervisor reassured the gathered crowd that everyone inside was safe.