Toronto police stepping up patrols over concerns stemming from Israel-Hamas war
Toronto police officers are stepping up patrols in several areas around the city, the chief of police says, after hearing concerns from community leaders that the war between Israel and Hamas is causing fear in the city.
In a news release issued Wednesday, police said they were aware of "global online threats" circulating about "events that may occur on Friday." This comes in the wake of last week's Hamas attack in Israel.
"The war is affecting thousands of Toronto residents who have family and friends in those regions," Chief Myron Demkiw said at a news conference Thursday, adding there are currently "no credible threats" to any communities in the city.
Demkiw said he has received dozens of calls from community leaders expressing concerns and asking for help, and that he met with members of the Jewish and Palestinian communities earlier this week to hear from them directly.
"This war has shaken the feelings of peace and security here at home," he said.
Investigators say that in the wake of the attack, Toronto police immediately increased patrols in Jewish communities as well as cultural centres, synagogues, mosques, schools and other places of worship across the city.
Demkiw said the force's focus is on Jewish and Palestinian communities, as well as any others who might be "directly impacted."
"People can expect to see a continued, increased police presence," the force said in its release, adding that local police officers are working with federal and provincial law enforcement agencies to coordinate and share information.
"We are continuing to monitor the situation here in Toronto and will deploy our officers to ensure residents feel a sense of safety and security," police said.
Two command posts are being set up in an effort to increase police visibility and improve the public's access to officers, the chief said. Demkiw also encouraged residents to report any hate-related incidents to police.
"There will be no tolerance for any forms of hate and intimidation," he said.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said his force is also monitoring the situation, and has "increased deployment of resources around places of worship and in our communities.
"Peel Regional Police remains steadfast in our commitment to public safety, and will not tolerate any forms of hate crime or threat of violence against anyone," Duraiappah said. "Any acts of violence will be investigated to the fullest extent."
