Toronto police have charged a suspect for allegedly threatening to shoot candidates running for mayor in the city.
On Thursday, police said they were called to a location at Greenwood and Mortimer avenues in East York around 10:45 a.m following reports of a man entering the location and making threatening remarks about shooting mayoral candidates. It is also believed the man brandished what appeared to be a firearm.
Due to the incident, a debate scheduled last night amongst candidates at Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCAD) was cancelled and several leading candidates paused their campaigns.
Police told CP24 that the threat was a “blanket threat” towards mayoral candidates, and not directed at anyone in particular. Police then alerted candidates through a news release which was issued around 3:30 p.m., and an email to all 102 candidates.
Thursday evening, police arrested 29-year-old Junior Francois Lavagesse, of Toronto, in connection to the incident. He was charged with two counts of weapons dangerous, carrying a concealed weapon, uttering threats and failing to comply with recognizance.
He was scheduled to appear in court virtually on Friday morning.
Many candidates are now sharing their gratitude to the police for quickly resolving the situation.
Thank you to the Toronto Police for their work addressing this, and for all they do keeping our city safe and protecting the democratic process. https://t.co/bTDC8OULSC
— Ana Bailão (@anabailaoTO) June 2, 2023
Grateful to the men and women in uniform who serve and protect us every single day. #Topoli https://t.co/YZOIHDwe68
— Mark Saunders (@marksaunders_TO) June 2, 2023
Thank you to the @TorontoPolice for resolving this matter swiftly and professionally.
— Brad Bradford✌️ (@BradMBradford) June 2, 2023
I'm glad to hear everyone is safe and the suspect has been apprehended. https://t.co/SAML38WJPn
The police have confirmed that the suspect has been apprehended. I want to express my most sincere gratitude to the Toronto Police Service. As there is no longer a risk to public safety, our campaign can responsibly resume normal operations. I look forward to seeing you soon.
— Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) June 2, 2023
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
