Two people were killed and three others were critically injured during a shooting at the after-party for rapper Drake’s OVO Fest in Toronto.
The “sporadic shooting,” which occurred in and outside of Muzik nightclub, initially took place around 3:15 a.m. Tuesday, according to Billboard and police. Fatalities were suffered by a man and a woman believed to be in their 20s and 30s.
“At this point we do know for certain that one or two [shootings] were in the nightclub and we believe the others were outside of that area. This is all unfolding now and we’re doing our investigation,” a member of the Toronto police force told NME.
The man was shot inside the club and pronounced dead on the scene, according to Vice. As the gunfire moved into the street, the woman was shot outside the club. She was later pronounced dead in the hospital.
Three others were critically injured, including one “innocent bystander with no involvement in the dispute,” reported NME.
Vice also reported it is unknown if Drake was still present at the venue during the incident.
Deputy Police Chief Peter Sloly reported to Vice there had recently been a spike in gun violence in the city, so police were already taking precautions.
Sloly also said, however, police were unsure of how weapons were brought into the club, for general security includes pat-downs upon admission.
Despite increased police presence, this is the second consecutive year that a shooting has occurred at Muzik after the rapper’s OVO Fest. Two attendees had been injured in a shooting at least year’s festival, according to Vice.
Beyond that previous act of violence, 2015 has become Toronto’s most violent year since 2012 with 143 shootings since January.
Toronto Mayor John Tory shared with Vice how he is sad and angry about the situation, but is placing his trust in the police.
“I am very confident our Toronto Police Service will track down those responsible for this despicable act and ensure they are put away for a long time,” said Tory.
No information about the suspects has been released at this time.
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