Canadian Investigators Probe Terror Link in 43-Year-Old Toronto Officer's Killing
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 12
Canadian Investigators Probe Terror Link in 43-Year-Old Toronto Officer's Killing
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 12
Summary
Constable Marc Pinizzotto, 43, was killed Thursday in an exchange of gunfire during a dawn raid on a west Toronto apartment tied to several shootings, including the March attack on the U.S. consulate.
Investigators are examining whether the case connects to a wider terror campaign after U.S. prosecutors alleged Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi claimed responsibility for the consulate shooting and directed nearly 20 attacks in Europe.
Police have charged 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett with first-degree murder and are searching for 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, whom they say may still be armed; four other people were inside the unit.
Authorities are also weighing whether the suspects were part of a local shooters-for-hire network linked to attacks on businesses and homes, adding another possible layer beyond the terrorism probe.
How are Toronto teens being recruited for a new 'gig economy' of terror, funded by foreign states like Iran?
Are Iranian-backed terror cells using local Canadian gangs to wage a deniable proxy war on North American soil?
Toronto Under Siege: The 2026 Consulate Shooting, Officer Death, and Canada’s Evolving Anti-Terror Strategy
Overview
On June 11, 2026, Toronto was shaken by the tragic death of Constable Marc Pinizzotto, marking the city’s 13th homicide of the year. The Toronto Police Service responded with an extensive investigation and an ongoing manhunt for those responsible, while being careful not to compromise the case by limiting public information. The sensitive and evolving nature of the investigation highlights the seriousness of the situation. In a show of respect and solidarity, the CN Tower was dimmed, reflecting the profound impact of this loss on both the police force and the wider community.