Toronto Police have announced the arrest of the final suspect in connection with the U.S. Consulate shooting that occurred in the city's downtown in March. Zara Jabbi, 19, was taken into custody on Thursday morning, just two days after police revealed that a shooters-for-hire scheme is believed to be behind the consulate attack as well as assaults on synagogues, Jewish schools, GFL Environmental Inc. facilities, and the home of a GFL executive.
Charges Filed
Jabbi faces numerous charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, discharge of a restricted or prohibited firearm, attack on premises of internationally protected persons, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, and possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm. He is scheduled to appear remotely at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Thursday morning.
Details of the Incident
On March 10 at approximately 5:29 a.m., police responded to a call at the U.S. Consulate located at 360 University Avenue. It is alleged that a white Honda CR-V stopped in front of the building, and two male suspects—Jabbi and Sheldon Tracey-Stewart—exited the vehicle and fired multiple rounds at the consulate before fleeing. Evidence consistent with a firearm discharge was found, including damage to the glass and doors, as well as shell casings. Although people were inside at the time, no injuries were reported. The shooting was treated as a national security incident.
Related Arrests and Officer Death
Last week, five search warrants were executed in Toronto by the Toronto Police Service with support from the RCMP. Two other suspects, Sheldon Tracey-Stewart, 18, and Nicholas Bennett, 19, were arrested at separate locations. During Bennett's arrest, he allegedly shot and killed Toronto Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto, a 43-year-old member of the Emergency Task Force. Bennett, who was wounded in the raid, faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with Pinizzotto's death.
Police Chief Myron Demkiw expressed the department's grief, stating, "This is an incredibly difficult moment for all of us. Marc's family has lost a husband, a father and a son, and as a service, we've lost a colleague and a friend."
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the shooters-for-hire network.
