Two Men Arrested During Toronto Al-Quds Day Rally; Separate Firearms Probe Leads to Charges
Two Toronto men were arrested during the Al-Quds Day rally held in Toronto on Saturday, March 14, 2026, with police investigating the incidents as suspected hate-motivated offences. The demonstration, which took place in the University Avenue and Armoury Street area, included counter-demonstrators, leading to confrontations that resulted in charges.
Incidents at the Rally
In one incident, police alleged that a participant in the counter-demonstration engaged with a victim who was holding a stick with the Islamic Republic of Iran flag attached. The accused, identified as Farshid McVandifar, 56, allegedly swung his arms and fists at the victim, breaking the stick and causing pieces to strike the victim in the head. McVandifar was charged with mischief for damage to property under $5,000 and assault.
In a separate incident, police reported that another male from the counter-demonstration followed a victim wearing an Islamic Republic of Iran flag on their back. The accused allegedly spat on the victim and ripped the flag off. Later, the accused was seen lighting an Islamic Republic of Iran flag on fire and wearing flags attached to the soles of his shoes. Mostafa Shabanian Bashmandoost, 39, was arrested and charged with assault, criminal harassment, theft under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and public incitement of hatred.
Toronto Police have stated that these investigations are being treated as suspected hate-motivated offences. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact police at 416-808-3500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
Separate Firearms Investigation
In an unrelated case, a 29-year-old Toronto man is facing multiple firearms charges following a person-with-a-gun call on Friday, March 13, 2026. Police responded to the Warden Avenue and Ellesmere Road area around 1:55 p.m. after reports that a male suspect pointed a firearm at two victims and fled in a vehicle, which was later found abandoned.
A search of the vehicle revealed a quantity of 9 mm cartridges. An investigation by 41 Division’s major crime unit and primary response unit, with assistance from Durham Regional Police, led to the arrest of the suspect at an address in Pickering. During the arrest, two firearms were seized, one of which had an extended magazine containing 27 cartridges. Subsequent search warrants executed on a residence and the abandoned vehicle led to the discovery and seizure of a third firearm.
The accused, Olivier Brunot-Nsoga, was charged with multiple offences, including two counts each of uttering threats of death or bodily harm, pointing a firearm, assault with a weapon, and possession of a weapon, along with three counts each of possessing a firearm without a licence and careless use of a firearm. Additional charges include possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon without authority and failing to comply with release orders.
Police are asking anyone with information on this case to contact them at 416-808-4100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
