Shooters for hire scheme in U.S. Consulate attack mirrors shootings at Jewish schools and synagogues

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An unsealed criminal complaint in the U.S. reported a wiretapped conversation with al-Saadi shortly after the March 10 shooting, claiming “our people” were responsible for the attack as well as another one on “the Knesset,” which appears to be a reference to a Toronto synagogue that was fired on around the same time.

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RCMP Chief Superintendent Jamie Zettler, acting regional commander of federal policing for the central region, wouldn’t comment Monday on “the validity of that information, but it is part of our investigation. We’re aware of it and we’re continuing to follow up on it.”

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The March 10 consulate shooting saw two men get out of a stolen Honda CRV and “fire multiple rounds,” into the building, said TPS Chief Superintendent Joe Matthews of Detective Operations.

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“While the building was struck by gunfire, thankfully nobody inside was injured,” said Matthews, noting the shooters recorded their actions on their phones.

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The stolen CRV they used “was found abandoned in Scarborough,” he said.

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Investigators determined the shooting was connected to “several other firearm discharge investigations across the GTA, both in terms of the individuals involved and the firearms being used,” Matthews said.

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A March 25 shooting at the Markham Road and Eglington Avenue East area involved shots being fired at the front door of a unit inside an apartment building. Nobody was hurt and the shooters fled.

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The next day, shots were fired at a business in Etobicoke’s Islington and Lakeshore Boulevard West area, Matthews said. “Shots were fired at a business, damaging the storefront. Responding officers observed a dark Honda Civic fleeing the area at a high rate of speed and initiated a pursuit.”

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The Civic eventually hit a fence, and the suspects fled on foot, he said. “Toronto Police determined that the three incidents were connected and identified several individuals who were alleged to be responsible.”

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Halton Regional Police arrested Jayon Burgher, 18, of Barrie, on April 14 in connection with an Oakville shooting.

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“While in custody, he was charged by the Toronto Police Service with multiple firearms offences related to the March 26 shooting in Etobicoke,” Matthews said.

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“Through these investigations, suspects were identified and on June 11 the Toronto Police Service and the RCMP executed multiple search warrants across Toronto.”

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Sheldon Tracey Stewart, 18, has been charged in relation to the consulate shooting, Matthews said.

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“He faces multiple firearms-related charges as well as charges for failing to comply with his release order,” Matthews said. “The loaded firearm seized during his arrest, a Glock 17 9 mm handgun, has since been connected to six additional shootings across the Greater Toronto Area, including incidents in Toronto, Peel, York and Durham.”

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Bennett, who allegedly shot Pinizzotto last week, has also been charged in connection with Scarborough’s March 25 shooting and the March 26 shooting in Etobicoke, Matthews said.

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“While ballistic testing remains ongoing, we believe the second firearm seized (last Thursday) morning, a Springfield Armory XD .45-calibre handgun, could be connected to 21 additional shooting incidents in Halton, Peel and Toronto, including the shooting at the U.S. Consulate,” he said.

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Police are still trying to identify “individuals responsible for pulling the triggers,” as well as “those who may have directed or organized these acts of violence,” Matthews said.