The elected mayor, Olivia Chow, expressed her solidarity for the pain and shock that community members have experienced following a series of violent incidents in Toronto, including one that recently resulted in the death of a mother of two.
"My condolences to the family and loved ones of Karolina Huebner-Makurat," Chow said to reporters after an anti-Islamophobia event on Monday morning. "I cannot imagine the pain and shock that the rest of the community is going through."
Huebner-Makurat, 44, died after being struck by a stray bullet while walking near Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue during midday on July 7. The police are still searching for three male suspects in connection with the deadly incident.
The fatal shooting occurred just a day after a man was stabbed following an altercation on a crowded subway train approaching the Eglinton station. Since then, a suspect has been arrested in connection with that incident.
Then, just today, two people were seriously injured in a shooting in the downtown area early in the morning, which the police believe may have started as a road rage incident.
"It's difficult when we see this kind of violence," Chow said when asked about the incidents. "I will do what I can to combat it. I have spoken to some senior staff members, and we will have a strategy to implement."
According to Toronto Police data, major crime indicators have increased by 20% this year compared to the same period in 2022. This includes a 17% increase in assaults.
While homicides have decreased by 11%, more recent data on shootings and firearm incidents is not yet available.
Public safety was a key issue during the mayoral campaign. Chow's plan included a promise to improve 911 response times and expand a pilot project where mental health professionals respond to some non-violent 911 calls.
Chow is scheduled to officially be sworn into office on Wednesday.