The Toronto Police Service (TPS) are talking of a potential threat somewhere within downtown Toronto. The first hint of it came in a tweet at around 9:30 a.m. this morning:
We are responding to an unconfirmed, uncorroborated piece of information relating to the GTA. As a result of this information, you will see an increased number of police officers throughout the city and, specifically, in the downtown core ^sm
— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) July 12, 2018
Acting Superintendent Mike Barsky of 52 Division updated the press just before noon eastern. Barsky did not offer any specifics. “Whenever we report of potential risk to public risk, we take it seriously,” he said according to CBC News. Security has been tightened around Canada’s Wonderland by York Regional Police.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is aware of the situation, and tweeted the following statement:
Statement from the Premier’s Office: We are aware of the reported potential threat in the City of Toronto. While the information is unsubstantiated, the Premier has been briefed by the Provincial Security Advisor and is actively monitoring the situation.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) July 12, 2018
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale has also been informed of the situation. Goodale tweeted a statement saying federal authorities were standing by to assist if requested.
The CBC reports an internal police memo calls the threat a “potential vehicle ramming attack.” The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) had reportedly approached U-Haul to keep an eye out yesterday.
52 division covers a large section of downtown Toronto from Front north to Bloor. Toronto Police have so far refused to identify potential targets.
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