Toronto officer’s killing probed for possible terror link

Canadian investigators are examining whether the killing of Toronto police Constable Marc Pinizzotto, 43, during a dawn search on Thursday, May 30, is connected to a wider set of attacks with possible international terrorism links. Pinizzotto was shot while officers executed search warrants at an apartment building in west Toronto tied to multiple shootings, including an earlier attack at the U.S.

consulate in Toronto. Authorities have said the inquiry is also looking at whether the shooters are part of a city-wide “shooters-for-hire” network that has targeted commercial and residential properties.

Officials have not publicly established any link between the officer’s death and an international organization. Investigators are nonetheless reviewing whether people tied to the Toronto cases intersect with a group that has threatened retaliation for U.S. actions against Iran, according to details referenced in the case.

Police have charged 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett with first-degree murder in Pinizzotto’s death. Officers are searching for another 19-year-old suspect, Zara Jabbi, and have warned the person sought is likely still armed.

What investigators are examining

The investigation is focused on the shootings that led to the search warrants, including an incident at the U.S. consulate in Toronto earlier this year. The warrants were executed at dawn at an apartment complex in west Toronto, where Pinizzotto was killed.

Investigators are also assessing whether the shooters are part of a broader, city-wide network described as “shooters-for-hire.” Authorities are looking at attacks on both commercial sites and private homes as they map potential connections among the incidents.

The Ontario Special Investigations Unit is reviewing the shooting. A spokesperson said four other people were in the apartment unit at the time and that an “exchange of gunfire” took place.

International case referenced by U.S. authorities

U.S. authorities charged Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi in May with terrorism allegations tied to nearly 20 attacks in Europe, according to U.S. court documents referenced in the case. Those documents also suggest he claimed responsibility for the earlier shooting at the Toronto consulate.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police were present during the search, according to the report, but have not commented on possible international connections.

Authorities have not said when they expect to determine whether any international link is substantiated. The case is expected to proceed through the courts as investigators continue to pursue additional suspects and examine related shootings.