Canada

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

First arrest made in Toronto shooting

By: Linda Nguyen

Posted: 07/20/2012 1:00 AM

TORONTO -- Tougher laws and increased police presence alone won't curb a wave of violence that has shocked Toronto in recent days, community leaders and politicians said Thursday as police began laying charges in a fatal shootout at a community block party.

"I think we need to take a pause and ask ourselves what more we might do," Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said during a news conference in Ottawa.

"I don't pretend to have any quick and easy answer for you, and I don't know anybody who does."

McGuinty's comments came as Toronto residents struggled to come to terms with violence that erupted at a block party in a diverse community in the city's east end.

Gunmen opened fire at the outdoor party, killing 14-year-old Shyanne Charles and Joshua Yasay, 23, and sending 23 others to hospital with gunshot injuries.

Police announced an arrest in the case Thursday, charging Nahom Tsegazab, 19, with reckless discharge of a firearm.

McGuinty will meet with Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and police Chief Bill Blair next Monday to discuss ways to prevent similar violent incidents in the future. Community leaders insist they also be part of the bigger conversation about gun violence in Canada's largest city.

Ford has weighed in on the issue by announcing his intention to appeal to Ottawa for immigration reform that would see those convicted of gun crimes banished from the city.

He has called for a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper to discuss tougher gun and immigration laws.

Andrew MacDougall, a spokesman for Harper, said the prime minister's office is "working on scheduling" a meeting.

-- The Canadian Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 20, 2012 A17