A deadly shooting at a wedding reception in Ottawa’s south end on Saturday night has left two men from Toronto dead and six others injured, according to local law enforcement. The incident occurred around 10:21 p.m. at the Infinity Convention Centre, located on Gibford Drive near the Ottawa International Airport.
The victims, identified as 26-year-old Said Mohamed Ali and 29-year-old Abdishakur Abdi-Dahir, were attending a reception when the shooting took place. As of Sunday afternoon, no arrests had been made and authorities had not released any information regarding potential suspects.
Acting Duty Insp. Amy Bond expressed her concern over the incident. She further added that the investigation is still in its early stages and there is currently no information to suggest that any specific community was targeted or that the incident should be considered a hate crime.
The Ottawa police, in their Sunday afternoon media release, confirmed that all investigative angles are being explored. They also reiterated that there is no current evidence to suggest that the shooting was motivated by hate. Marc-Antoine Deschamps, a spokesman for the Ottawa paramedics, confirmed that the six individuals who were injured are not in a life-threatening condition.
Anu Sohal, a representative of the Infinity Convention Centre, described the incident as a tragedy and expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families. She also confirmed that the members of the convention centre are actively assisting the authorities with their investigation.
Local community leaders have also expressed their shock and sadness over the incident. Gloucester-Southgate Coun. Jessica Bradley, who represents the area, called the news “terrible” and urged anyone with information to come forward. The Hunt Club Community Association’s board also expressed their dismay, stating that violence has no place in their community.
These homicides mark the 11th and 12th reported by Ottawa police this year. Authorities are urging anyone with information, particularly those with cell phone, dash cam, or security video footage from the area between 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., to contact their homicide unit.