A Toronto police officer was fatally shot Thursday morning while executing a search warrant related to a March attack on the U.S. Consulate in the city, authorities said.
The officer, identified as 43-year-old Marc Pinizotto, an 18-year veteran of the force, was shot inside an apartment unit after the suspect opened fire first, according to Monica Hudon of Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit. Pinizotto later died from his wounds at a hospital.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw confirmed that one 19-year-old suspect is in custody at a hospital in critical condition, while a second suspect, 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Demkiw urged Jabbi to surrender, saying, "I urge you to turn yourself in." The investigation involved multiple search warrants executed early Thursday, targeting a series of shootings, including the March 11 attack on the U.S.
Consulate on University Avenue.
In that earlier incident, two individuals emerged from a white Honda SUV around 4:30 a.m. and fired multiple shots at the consulate building, damaging its facade but causing no injuries.
The attack occurred amid heightened tensions following the U.S.-led war against Iran that began in late February, and came after gunfire attacks on two Toronto-area synagogues the previous weekend.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her condolences, noting she has known the mother of the fallen officer for 20 years. The investigation is ongoing, with officers searching for Jabbi and urging the public to report any sightings.