On May 8, 2026, the Toronto Police Service issued the following statement:
Case #: 2026-944378
The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in two suspected hate-motivated Assault with a Weapon investigations.
On Thursday, April 30, 2026, Toronto Police responded to an Assault that took place in the Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue West area.
It was reported that:
three victims, visibly identifiable members of the Jewish community, were walking outside
a suspect, who was in a vehicle, discharged an imitation firearm at the victims (described as an Orbeez-type gun)
the victims sustained minor injuries
the suspect fled in a blue SUV
See previous news release here: https://tps.to/65822
An investigation was initiated by the Counter-Terrorism Security Unit with support from the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force and 32 Division.
Last night, at approximately 10:45 p.m., on Thursday, May 7, 2026, Toronto Police responded to another Assault in the Bathurst Street and Highway 401 area.
It is alleged that:
three people were standing outside of the Congregation Chasidei Bobov synagogue
the victims were visibly identifiable members of the Jewish community
they were shot at with an imitation firearm from a vehicle
one victim was struck and suffered minor injuries
the suspects fled in a Blue Lexus SUV
Shortly after 7:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, search warrants were executed at a residence and a vehicle in Vaughan. Evidence was seized, including two gel-blaster imitation firearms.
Ruslan NOVRUZOV, 18, of Vaughan, has been arrested and charged with:
four counts of Assault with a Weapon
two counts of Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
He is scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Friday, May 8, 2026, in room 105.
These are being investigated as suspected hate-motivated offences.
[…]
“We recognize that Jewish residents have been living with a heightened sense of fear due to repeated incidents targeting their community, and this only adds to that, which is unacceptable,” said acting Deputy Chief Joe Matthews. “While the weapons used were imitation firearms, the impacts are very real. These are criminal acts that we allege were meant to intimidate and cause fear.”
This investigation was led by the Counter-Terrorism Security Unit, which includes our Hate Crime Unit, with support from our Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force and 32 Division. Their coordinated and timely work was critical in identifying and apprehending the suspect.
[…]
On May 8, 2026, Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, posted on X:
Last night, three people were fired upon with a replica firearm outside Chasidei Bobov synagogue in North York in an abhorrent act of antisemitism, leaving one person injured. I am relieved to hear that an arrest has been made. Law enforcement agencies have my full support as they investigate, and as they work to bring justice for the victims and the wider Jewish community. Last year, we introduced new legislation to the strengthen the criminal code, combat hate, and protect our communities — and we remain absolute in Canada’s commitment to combatting the scourge of antisemitism and hate in all of its forms. Together, we will continue to build a country where all Jewish Canadians can live openly, freely, and safely.
On May 8, 2026, the leader of the Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre, posted on X:
Another brazen antisemitic attack, with three Jews shot at outside a Toronto area synagogue. Thank you to @TorontoPolice Service for your quick response. These violent, hate-filled criminals must be found, arrested, and prosecuted. We must all stand with our Jewish neighbours in the face of terror and intimidation.