4 more suspects charged in alleged hate assaults on Toronto Jewish community members

TORONTO — Toronto police say four additional suspects have been charged in two alleged hate-motivated assaults with a gel blaster imitation gun against members of the Jewish community.

Police say officers responded to the area of Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue on April 30 after a suspect in a vehicle allegedly used a gel blaster, which shoots gel beads, at three “visibly identifiable” Jewish community members while they were walking outside.

Police say they responded to a report of another assault on May 7, when three people standing outside the Congregation Chasidei Bobov synagogue were also allegedly shot at with a gel blaster from a vehicle.

They say one person was struck and had minor injuries, and both incidents are being investigated as suspected hate-motivated offences.

An 18-year-old man from Vaughan, Ont., was arrested on May 7 and charged with four counts of assault with a weapon and two counts of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Police say four more suspects were arrested on May 22 after further investigation.

They say two men, aged 20 and 23, and a 16-year-old boy from Toronto were charged with three counts of assault with a weapon and one count of possession of a weapon, along with other charges.

A 17-year-old girl from Thornhill, Ont., was also arrested and charged with three counts of assault with a weapon, one count of possession of a weapon and one count of mischief interfering with property.

Police say they are still working on identifying two more suspects.

Chief Supt. Katherine Stephenson said the two incidents were not random.

“Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, we allege that members of the Jewish community were deliberately targeted,” she said.

“These incidents appear to have been organized and planned with more than one individual involved in the co-ordination.”

She said the assaults have had a “profound effect” on the community.

“Beyond the individuals directly involved, they create fear, anxiety, and uncertainty for countless others who see themselves reflected in the victims,” she said.

“People question whether they are safe attending religious services, walking in their neighbourhood, or openly expressing who they are. That is why we take these investigations so seriously.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2026.

Maan Alhmidi, The Canadian Press