A mass shooting at a newly opened pub in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada, resulted in 12 injuries after three masked gunmen entered the establishment and began firing indiscriminately at patrons on Friday night, March 7, 2025.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw labeled the attack an “incredibly brazen act of violence” as authorities continue their search for the suspects who escaped the scene.
The incident took place around 10:40 p.m. at the Piper Arms Pub, located near the Scarborough Town Centre mall. The pub’s opening night celebration quickly turned chaotic when the armed individuals entered and opened fire.
According to police, seven individuals were confirmed to have suffered gunshot wounds, while five others were injured by flying glass. Initially, it was reported that six people were shot, but it was later determined that one person initially thought to be hurt by glass was grazed by a bullet. All victims are expected to survive, though some have sustained “serious life-altering injuries.” The victims’ ages range from their 20s to mid-50s.
Toronto Police Superintendent Paul MacIntyre addressed reporters outside the pub shortly after 2 a.m. He expressed shock at the brutality of the attack, which was recorded on the pub’s surveillance system.
MacIntyre noted that while such incidents and footage have become disturbingly common, desensitizing some people, the nature of this incident was particularly alarming. He described how the attackers targeted the crowd without hesitation, opening fire in a chilling manner.
According to MacIntyre, one gunman was seen with an assault rifle while the other two used handguns. The video, which has not been publicly released, shows patrons enjoying their evening before suddenly taking cover as the shooting began. Some victims fell to the floor after being hit.
Upon police arrival, some victims were still lying on the floor or seated in their original spots. MacIntyre described the scene inside as “eerie,” with drinks and food left on tables and personal items like purses and shoes abandoned.
“It looks like we had a mass-casualty shooting inside a pub,” MacIntyre said.
Videos purportedly taken inside the pub after the shooting have circulated online, showing broken glass railings, blood on the floor, and emergency personnel attending to victims. One detail from these unverified videos depicts what appears to be a drink pitcher placed over a bullet casing. Police have not commented on the authenticity of this footage.
As the investigation continues, speculation about motives has arisen. Scarborough Centre Councillor Michael Thompson suggested a possible link to violence in the towing industry, stating he received calls from industry figures who believe the shooting may be related to a towing turf war. However, Chief Demkiw declined to speculate on potential motives.
The suggestion of a towing industry connection comes amid growing concern over violence in that sector. In 2024, police data indicated 63 firearm discharge and shooting incidents were linked to tow truck disputes, accounting for nearly 13% of all shootings in Toronto. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has condemned the rise in towing-related violence, emphasizing the danger to innocent lives.
The Toronto Police have launched a task force to address crime and violence within the tow truck industry, though no official connection has been established between Friday’s shooting and these issues.
Local residents expressed shock over the violence in their community. Lemaun Bailey-McIntosh, shopping near the scene on Saturday morning, told CBC Toronto: “Pedestrians were walking by, [people were] having a good time on a Friday night, and just to see something like this, it’s terrible. Thank God nobody got killed.”
The area around the pub remained cordoned off with crime scene tape throughout the weekend as investigators continued to gather evidence.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed concern for the victims and their families, stating she had spoken with Chief Demkiw, who assured her that resources and unit commanders were actively investigating the situation.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also offered his concerns for the victims and their families. In a post on X, he stated that such violence “will not be tolerated” and that Toronto police have his full support in bringing those responsible to justice.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the attack or may have dashcam footage from the area to contact them as they continue their search for the three suspects, who fled the scene in a vehicle after the shooting.
