An arrest has been made by the Toronto Police Service as part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation into a threat of a school shooting, according to an announcement made by the police. It is alleged that on Sunday, June 4, an individual posted a threatening message on an online platform, indicating their intention to “shoot up” a school. Along with the message, the person also shared a photo of a firearm.
The situation took a turn when an artificial intelligence system flagged the image of the gun, prompting the platform’s security team to take immediate action. According to TPS, the team promptly notified Paris Interpol, which then alerted Ottawa Interpol after tracing the post back to Canada. Once it was established that the post originated from a residence in Toronto, the Toronto Police Service was promptly informed.
Taking charge of the investigation, the Toronto Police Service’s Cyber Crime Unit swiftly identified the suspect involved. On June 6, the 43 Division Major Crime Unit, in collaboration with the Emergency Task Force, executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence.
According to TPS, additional allegations arose during the course of the investigation. It is alleged that the suspect, in an attempt to evade capture, tried to dispose of a handgun. However, law enforcement officers were able to locate and seize a fully-loaded firearm. The suspect in question has been identified as 20-year-old Toronto resident.
The suspect now faces several charges, including Uttering Threats, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition, two counts of Careless Storage of Firearm, Weapon, or Prohibited Device, Possession of a Weapon, Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon, and Failure to Comply with a Release Order.
As per a press release, the suspect was scheduled to appear in court on June 6. TPS has not said why it took almost a week to release the information.