TORONTO – There is an Alberta connection to a deadly shooting in Toronto's Eaton Centre that killed one and injured 7 others Saturday night. The victim, a 24 year old man named Ahmed Hassan, is believed to have been facing charges in Fort McMurray going back to 2008 for robbery, assault and unlawful confinement. He was a Toronto native. Two other victims are in critical condition - among them, a thirteen year old boy.
Detective Brian Borg suggested that Hassan, and another victim who they would not name, may be affiliated with gangs. Hassan was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police believe the attack was targeted and insisted that the violent incident in one of Canada’s busiest malls was an isolated event.
Investigators say they are certain they know who the suspect is in Saturday’s brazen shooting rampage that killed one man and injured seven others.
“One idiot with a gun on a Saturday afternoon in downtown Toronto does not speak to the state of affairs of the city of Toronto,” acting deputy chief Jeff McGuire told reporters at a news conference held at police headquarters.
“This has an incredible ability to create fear and angst amongst people but we’re here to tell you we’re investigating,” he said.
The string of gunshots also left another half a dozen others with injuries in its wake:
A 30-year-old pregnant woman who was knocked over as a stampede of people rushed for the mall’s exits was forced into labour. She has not given birth yet, but is “doing well” in a Toronto hospital.
A 25-year-old was released from hospital with a gunshot wound to her leg, while a 22-year-old man was also released with similar injuries.
A 23-year-old is in dire condition with multiple gunshot wounds to his neck and chest.
“His condition is the worst,” Borg said.
A 13-year-old boy visiting Toronto from Port Hope, Ont. with his family was shot in the head.
“I’m very pleased to say he is responding well to treatment,” Borg said, noting that he is in critical but stable condition.
A 30-year-old woman was released after her abdomen was grazed by a bullet, while a 22-year-old woman left hospital without treatment after she suffered from a gunshot wound to her hand.
The Eaton Centre is closed Sunday as investigators scour the neighbourhood, however the mall will re-open early Monday morning.
The city’s homicide squad is leading the investigation.
“It was committed in a busy mall in the heart of the city with no regard of the members of the public simply going about,” Borg said.
The investigators say their day-old investigation had progressed quickly because of a myriad of surveillance that was provided by both the Eaton Centre and its businesses. They called the footage “extremely fruitful” in their investigation.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was sullen and had little to say when he spoke to reporters.
“We will apprehend this suspect, I will guarantee it. This is a safe city and I want people to continue what they do every day, go out with their families, have fun – it’s a great city,” Ford said.
“We’re not going to tolerate this in our city and we’ll make an arrest,” he insisted, calling Toronto “the safest city in the world.”
Those at the scene of the crime who dropped their belongings may be able to obtain their property in the coming days, police said.
“I simply ask for your patience in the meantime,” Borg said.
They urged Torontonians who took photos or captured video to hang on to the valuable evidence. Police will announce tomorrow how the public can share this information with investigators handling the case.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper also sent a statement to the media regarding the shooting.
"I was shocked and saddened to learn about the deadly attack at the Eaton Centre in Toronto yesterday,” the statement read, offering condolences to the family and friends of Hassan.
“Canadians should be assured that such depraved and monstrous acts will be met with the full force of the law,” Harper said.
With files from the Canadian Press
© The Canadian Press, 2012