York Police Release Suspect Vehicle Photo After Boxing Club Shooting
York Regional Police have released a photograph of a suspect vehicle allegedly connected to a targeted shooting at a boxing club in Richmond Hill, Ontario, over the weekend. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026, has raised concerns about potential geopolitical motivations.
Shooting Details and Police Response
Police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 3 a.m. on Sunday at a commercial plaza located north of the Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue West area. Upon arrival, officers discovered damage consistent with multiple rounds having been fired at the business, which was unoccupied at the time. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the incident.
Surveillance footage captured a dark SUV parked at the plaza, with a suspect dressed in dark clothing exiting the vehicle for a few minutes before returning to the driver's seat. The vehicle then fled the scene, last seen heading eastbound on Highland Park Boulevard.
Connection to Iranian Activist and Geopolitical Tensions
The Toronto Sun reported that the shooting targeted a boxing gym operated by Salar Gholami, a Canadian cruiserweight champion and well-known activist for Iranian freedom. This incident occurred hours after the announced death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Tehran.
In a video posted on social media, Gholami showed the front entrance of his Saliwan Boxing Club in Richmond Hill, which had been struck by numerous bullets. He expressed grave concerns, stating, "It's concerning because the gym was hit with 17 bullets, which means it was meant for 17 bodies." Gholami warned that intimidation of Iran's critics "could become a real problem for Canada ... and they are going to have to stop that."
Police Investigation and Community Concerns
York police have yet to determine a motive for the shooting but are actively investigating all leads. In a news release, authorities acknowledged community concerns that this incident may be linked to broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Police stated, "We recognize these concerns and take them seriously and are examining all available leads and evidence as we're working closely with policing and intelligence partners to assess any potential links, including the possibility of politically motivated or transnational elements."
Investigators are appealing to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information, surveillance video, or dashcam footage from the area at the time of the shooting to come forward. Tips can be provided by contacting the firearms investigations team at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7817, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at 1800222tips.com.
The release of the suspect vehicle photo marks a critical step in the ongoing investigation, as police work to identify those responsible and address the safety concerns within the community.
