Skip to Content Subscribe Our Offers My Account Manage My Subscriptions FAQ Newsletters Canada Canadian True Crime Canadian Politics Health World Israel & Middle East Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Comics NP News Quiz New York Times Crossword Horoscopes Life Eating & Drinking Style Sponsored Play for Ontario Travel Travel Canada Travel USA Travel International Cruises Travel Essentials Culture Books Celebrity Movies Music Theatre Television Business Essentials Advice Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Buy Canadian Home Living Outdoor Living Kitchen & Dining Tech Style & Beauty Personal Care Entertainment & Hobbies Gift Guide Travel Guide Amazon Prime Day Deals Savings National Post Store More Sports Hockey Baseball Basketball Football Soccer Golf Tennis Driving Vehicle Research Reviews News Gear Guide Obituaries Place an Obituary Place an In Memoriam Classifieds Place an Ad Celebrations Working Business Ads Archives Healthing Epaper Manage Print Subscription Profile Settings My Subscriptions Saved Articles My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ Newsletters Canada World Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Life Shopping Epaper Manage Print Subscription HomeNewsCanadaTorontoToronto police identify two men killed in ‘targeted’ shooting at crowded street festivalThe men killed were targeted and known to each other, police said, but it is still unknown if they were among the gunmenLast updated 21 minutes ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Toronto police have identified, from left, Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20, as the two people killed during a shooting incident at the city's Salsa on St. Clair street festival. Several other people were injured also. Photo by Toronto Police ServicePolice in Toronto have identified two victims in the shootings Saturday night at a Latin music street festival.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorThe men killed were targeted and known to each other, police said, but it is still unknown if they were among the gunmen. Chief Myron Demkiw of Toronto Police Service said two firearms were “recovered at the scene.” He appealed for witnesses and for videos from the scene to be uploaded for investigators.“It was a targeted event,” he said.Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againShaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20, both died of their gunshot wounds, one at the scene and the other in hospital.“We’re not going to discuss anything about the victims other than to acknowledge that the two deceased knew each other,” Demkiw said.The Salsa on St. Clair street festival had an estimated 13,000 people when the shootings caused chaos around 8 p.m. on Saturday night.Police issued an active shooter alert that proved unfounded and was soon rescinded. But the experience has struck fear into a city that prides itself on summer street festivals.“Shootings are down in the city over 26 per cent compared to the same time last year. But when a brazen shooting occurs in a public setting, like happened this weekend, it understandably shakes the sense of safety and security that Torontonians expect and deserve. Street festivals are a vital part of Toronto’s vibrant culture,” Demkiw said.He hinted at disagreement between police, city bureaucrats and event organizers about measures necessary to keep street festivals safe, such as security screening and controlled access points, and how the shootings “underscore the need for ongoing discussions.”He also called for legislated legal reform about gun violence.Mayor Olivia Chow said the “reckless and disgusting” violence happened among families enjoying a beautiful summer night. She pledged the police will have “whatever resources they need” to find those responsible, and said she had urged federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to work toward stopping illegal guns reaching Toronto streets from American black market suppliers.“We will not let reckless criminals stop Toronto’s tradition of outdoor street festivals,” Chow said.Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. 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