The Toronto police officer shot dead by a shooter in Mississauga has been identified as Const. Andrew Hong.
Hong was one of two people killed in a spree across the Peel and Halton region on Monday.
“This is devastating news for his family and for all members of the Toronto Police Service and our entire policing community,” said Toronto police chief James Ramer.
Hong, who left behind a wife and two kids, was killed while on break from a joint training exercise.
The suspect, who has since been pronounced dead, shot the 22-year veteran in an unprovoked attack. Police believe that the perpetrator was also responsible for a shooting in Milton, Ont. which killed one person and left two injured.
“I committed to his family that they will have the full support of the Toronto Police Service every day going forward,” said Ramer.
The killing prompted Toronto Mayor John Tory to also issue a statement.
“My thoughts are with Const. Hong’s family, his friends and the entire Toronto Police Service who I know are grieving right now after the loss of one of their own,” said Tory.
“Today, we are sadly reminded of the danger our officers face on a daily basis as they work to keep us all safe.”
The shooting comes as the Greater Toronto Area struggles with a surge in violent gun crime.
According to a Toronto Police Service data portal, there have been 288 shootings or firearm discharges in 2022.
A total of 138 people have been killed or injured with 30 deaths reported and 108 injuries.
The number of deaths for this year as a result of a criminal shooting have already surpassed 2021 by 7.1%
