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Four Arrested and Two Youths Sought in North York Gel‑blaster Attacks on Jewish Community

Police say evidence points to planned, targeted assaults and officials will increase visible security for the upcoming Walk with Israel event.

Overview

  • Toronto police say two separate incidents — one on April 30 and another on May 7 — involved people in a blue Lexus SUV firing Orbeez‑style gel‑blaster replica guns at visibly identifiable members of the Jewish community, leaving victims with minor injuries.
  • Authorities arrested four more suspects on May 22 and have charged two men and two youths with multiple counts including assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon, with one adult and one youth also charged with mischief.
  • An earlier arrest on May 8 of an 18‑year‑old produced two gel‑blaster replica guns and other evidence that police say helped connect suspects and lead to the later arrests.
  • Police allege the attacks were deliberate and organized rather than random, and two additional youth suspects — a male and a female — remain wanted, though images of them have not been published because of their ages.
  • Investigators have increased patrols and announced a robust safety plan for the community event, while the cases remain before the courts and some details are restricted by a publication ban.