Four people were injured in a shooting at a rally celebrating the Toronto Raptors' first NBA championship on Monday, resulting in a stampede as fans fled the scene less than a block from where the players and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were on stage.
Three people were arrested and two guns were recovered, Toronto police said, although investigators did not discuss a possible motive for the attack.
Toronto Raptors 2-million strong NBA victory bash marred by shooting Source: Reuters
Droves of Raptors fans ran from the shooting in a stampede from the City Hall square, which was packed with tens of thousands of people.
Earlier in the day, more than a million fans packed downtown Toronto for the parade, raising concerns about safety and overcrowding as the city celebrated its first major sports title in more than a quarter-century.
Friends embrace after shots were fired during the Toronto Raptors NBA basketball championship parade in Toronto. Source: AAP
Police Chief Mark Saunders said four people suffered gunshot wounds but said none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Others suffered minor injuries as they tried to get away from the shooting, said Mr Saunders, who asked for witnesses and people who might have video to come forward and help investigators.
Andrew Singh said he heard what appeared to be gunshots and that a woman was wounded before people started scrambling.
"We just saw the girl drop to the floor and the guy running off," Mr Singh said. "All I heard was, 'bop bop bop.'
Asked if it was a targeted shooting or terrorism-related, police spokeswoman Allison Sparkes said the investigation was ongoing.
Toronto Police search for evidence after shots were fired during the Toronto Raptors NBA basketball championship parade in Toronto. Source: AAP
During a speech from one of the team owners, the host of the rally interrupted the proceedings to alert the crowd to an emergency and asked for calm.
Trudeau, Toronto Mayor John Tory, NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and other players were among those on stage at the time and remained in place before speeches resumed shortly after.
Mike Mudidi said he was enjoying the celebration when he heard screams behind him that someone had pulled out a gun.
"I just grabbed my buddies' hands and ran," he said.
Shooting mars Toronto Raptors NBA victory parade attended by 2 million Canadians Source: Reuters
Raptors fan Sam Sunday said the charge of people was scary.
"When you see a bunch of people coming at you, you don't know what to do, whether to run or not. You don't want to get stampeded over," Mr Sunday said.
Mr Tory thanked police for their quick response and said he was angered by the shooting.
"I hope those found responsible will be held to account to the full extent that the law permits," he said in a statement.
"I want to commend and thank the millions of other people who happily and peacefully celebrated our beloved Toronto Raptors."
As the parade inched forward a number of Raptors could not help but marvel at the fan response.
"It's been amazing," Leonard said. "Thank you Toronto, thank you Canada for the support. We did it."
Several fans were seen carrying signs imploring Leonard to re-sign with the Raptors. He will be a free agent this summer.
Kyle Lowry, the team's longest-tenured player, hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy while his teammates smoked cigars.
"This is unbelievable," he said.
