Toronto Police Deploy Armed Task Force for Worship, Tourist Spots

0:00Toronto police are rolling out a new team called Task Force Guardian to boost security around places of worship, tourist spots, and community centers. Starting in the coming days, officers and tactical gear will patrol these areas with rifles and other long guns. The goal is to deter violence and respond faster to any threats. This move comes after recent shootings at synagogues and the U.S. consulate in the city, plus concerns over the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Officials say the deployments are intelligence driven and based on community requests for more visible policing amid changing global tensions. Police leaders stressed that seeing these armed officers does not signal an immediate danger. Instead, it's about building public confidence and positioning resources strategically. They note rifles are more accurate and effective than standard handguns for handling serious incidents. Alongside the Task Force, Toronto police are launching a dedicated counterterrorism unit. This group will focus on local threats that fall short of full national security cases, working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on bigger.

1:04Investigations. With these steps, the force aims to stay ahead of risks in a shifting landscape, keeping the city safer through proactive presence. Stay informed with Toronto News Today, AI-powered updates.