Toronto police investigate possible link between officer's death and international terror network

Toronto police are probing whether the fatal shooting of Constable Marc Pinizzotto, 43, during a dawn raid on an apartment building on Thursday, is tied to an international terror network. Pinizzotto, a member of the city's emergency taskforce, was killed while executing search warrants linked to a March shooting at the U.S. consulate in Toronto, which left no injuries and whose suspects fled in a white vehicle.

Police chief Myron Demkiw said the investigation is assessing whether the perpetrators belong to a city-wide “shooters for hire” network that has previously targeted waste-management facilities and private residences. A source indicated that authorities are also considering a possible connection to a global terror group that has threatened retaliation for U.S. actions against Iran.

U.S. prosecutors have charged Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi with terrorism, alleging he orchestrated nearly 20 attacks in Europe and claimed responsibility for the Toronto consulate shooting. The FBI cited a recorded phone call in which al-Saadi purportedly said “our people” were behind the attack. U.S. officials say al-Saadi leads a group called Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which is alleged to cooperate with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

In Canada, 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett has been charged with first-degree murder in Pinizzotto’s death, while police continue to search for 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, who is believed to still be armed. A judge approved the release of Jabbi’s photo, despite his minor status, until 15 June. Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is conducting an independent review of the shooting; its spokesperson Monica Hudon said four other people were present in the apartment when an exchange of gunfire occurred.

Pinizzotto, a father of two and a youth hockey coach, was remembered by Oakville mayor Rob Burton as having spent 18 years protecting the community. Toronto mayor Olivia Chow, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario premier Doug Ford also issued statements honoring the fallen officer.