Toronto police to ramp up presence ahead of Oct. 7 anniversary
CTV
Toronto’s top cop says there will be an increased police presence in Jewish neighbourhoods and at mosques across the city as the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel approaches.
Toronto’s top cop says there will be an increased police presence in Jewish neighbourhoods and at mosques across the city as the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel approaches.
“The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to deeply affect communities across our city, and we know that the coming days and weeks will be a difficult time for many,” Chief Myron Demkiw said at a Wednesday morning news conference, less than 24 hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel.
“As tensions rise around the world and we approach the one-year anniversary of October 7th, we know world events always have an impact here at home. This includes the potential for increased protest activity and acts of violence.”
As a result, Demkiw said the police force will ramp up its officer presence and deploy three mobile command units to three predominantly Jewish neighbourhoods along Bathurst street, including posts at Glencairn, Sheppard, and Finch avenues.
A fourth mobile command post will also be deployed to various Toronto mosques.
“The Toronto Police Service will be a visible and reassuring presence for as long as is necessary. We are working closely with our municipal, provincial and federal partners, as well as our intelligence services to monitor potential threats and respond to any situation that may arise,” Demkiw said.
The chief highlighted that hate crimes have been rising in the city, particularly those targeting Toronto’s Jewish community. Since the beginning of the year, he said, 350 hate-motivated offences have been reported to police, marking a 40 per cent spike since this time last year.
