2 injured in shooting at Nathan Phillips Square during Raptors fan rally
POSTED JUN 17, 2019 3:55 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED JUN 17, 2019 AT 4:33 PM EDT
Police say two people have been injured and two others are in custody following a shooting in Nathan Phillips Square during the Raptors NBA Championship fan rally.
The victims’ injuries are serious, but non-life threatening.
Two firearms were recovered at the scene and police are investigating.
Raptors play-by-play announcer Matt Devlin, speaking from the stage, confirmed there was an emergency taking place and urged fans to stay calm.
People could be seen running away from the south east corner and eye witnesses say word of the shooting sent a section of the crowd into a stampede, with people screaming and hiding in nearby bushes.
They say children in strollers were bowled over as frantic parents tried to shield them.
Police have set up barricades on the south side of the square.
Several people were reportedly transported to hospital including a police officer who was caught in the stampede.
There are also unconfirmed reports of a shooting at the Eaton Centre.
More to come
Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard holds his Finals MVP trophy as he celebrates during the championship parade. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
The party’s been in the works since 1995.
Four days after celebrating their first Larry O.B., an expected two million Toronto Raptors fans hit the streets once again for the team’s championship parade. As was the case for people lining up insanely early to get into Jurassic Park to watch the games, thousands spent the night at Nathan Phillips Square hoping to get a front -row view of the festivities.
By the time morning rolled around the scene was already set. People even climbed on arches to try and get a better view. These foolish fans eventually resulted in organizers temporarily stopping the parade due to safety reasons.
In true Fun Guy fashion, Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard was out early to sign autographs for his adoring supporters. Wait... maybe not.
One person you won’t find in the throngs? World famous Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia, who will serve as the honourary parade marshal.
It wouldn’t be a parade with the floats, so here’s a sneak peek at what the Raptors players and staff will be riding on throughout the day.