An 18-year-old male has been arrested in connection with two shootings that targeted Jewish houses of worship in the Toronto area in March. The suspect, who was 17 at the time of the incidents, faces nine charges, including discharging a firearm into a building and mischief causing significant property damage. The arrest followed a joint investigation by Toronto police and York regional police.

The first shooting occurred shortly before midnight on March 6 at a synagogue in Vaughan, where gunfire damaged the front doors while two people were inside. About 20 minutes later, a second synagogue in Toronto was struck, with similar damage reported at its entrance. No injuries were reported in either attack.

Community leaders and officials condemned the violence, calling it a serious attack on the Jewish community and pledging continued efforts to ensure safety and accountability. Investigators believe the suspect may not have acted alone and are working to identify additional individuals involved.

The shootings come amid a rise in antisemitic incidents in the Toronto area, including other recent acts of vandalism and firearm-related threats targeting Jewish institutions and individuals.