Toronto officer killed as investigation into US consulate shooting turns deadly
A major investigation into a shooting at the United States consulate in Toronto has escalated dramatically after a veteran police officer was killed during a pre-dawn operation targeting suspects linked to the case.
Authorities said Constable Marc Pinizzotto, a member of Toronto Police Service’s Emergency Task Force, was fatally shot while officers executed a series of coordinated search warrants across the city on Thursday. The operation formed part of an ongoing probe into several shootings, including an attack on the US consulate building earlier this year.
Pinizzotto, 43, was rushed to hospital following the exchange of gunfire but later succumbed to his injuries. His death has sent shockwaves through the police service and city leadership.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demikw identified the fallen officer as an 18-year veteran of the force who had spent the last five years serving with the Emergency Task Force.
The operation also left one suspect critically injured. Police later identified him as 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett, who is expected to face a murder charge in connection with the officer’s death.
Investigators are meanwhile searching for another suspect, 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, who remains on the run.
“I would ask anyone that would see him to call 911 immediately,” Demikw said, describing the suspect as “armed and dangerous”.
The March shooting that triggered the investigation involved gunfire directed at the US consulate in Toronto. Although no injuries were reported, authorities on both sides of the border treated the incident as a matter of national security.
Investigators alleged that two men fired at the diplomatic facility before fleeing the scene in a vehicle. The building sustained no significant damage, with police noting at the time that the consulate is heavily fortified.
The case has attracted international attention after US authorities linked the consulate attack to a suspected terrorism network. American prosecutors have alleged that dual Iranian-Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi discussed the shooting during a telephone conversation in March.
Tributes poured in following confirmation of Pinizzotto’s death. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow described the loss as heartbreaking, while Toronto Police Association president Clayton Campbell called him a valued member of the service.
Chief Demikw, visibly emotional while addressing reporters, said “there is very heavy sorrow in our communities right now”.
The incident was also acknowledged by US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra during a Canada-US trade conference in Toronto.
“Our thoughts, our prayers are with the family of the police person who was killed,” Hoekstra said.
He added that the tragedy reflected the close cooperation between Canadian and American law enforcement agencies in addressing cross-border security threats.
The shooting occurred as Toronto prepares to host its first FIFA World Cup 2026 match, placing additional focus on security in Canada’s largest city.
Source: BBC
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