Tributes pour in following Toronto van attack
Posted April 23, 2018 3:18 pm.
Last Updated April 24, 2018 2:14 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Tributes have begun to pour in on social media following the tragic events on Monday afternoon at Yonge Street and Finch Avenue.
Ten people were killed and 14 more were injured when a rental van plowed through a group of pedestrians.
The hashtags #TorontoStrong has emerged among many of the tributes as well.
The Maple Leafs held a moment of silence before Game 6 Monday night against the Boston Bruins.
Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer rose in the House of Commons to share his thoughts and prayers with the victims and asked for the Prime Minister to share any updates as they become available.
“I speak for all parliamentarians when I say that our thoughts and prayers of the victims of the recent tragic situation that’s unfolding in Toronto right now. I wonder if the prime minister will join me in sending our best wishes to the community impacted and update the house with any information that they might be able to share as this situation unfolds.
Terrible news of the incident in Toronto this afternoon. Deepest sympathies and condolences of our entire Conservative Caucus and all Parliamentarians are with the community as this situation continues to develop. Our thanks to the first responders who acted so quickly.
— Andrew Scheer (@AndrewScheer) April 23, 2018
Trudeau responded to Scheer saying,”Our thoughts are obviously with those who affected by this incident. We are still gathering information and as soon as we can we will share more information with Canadians.”
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the terrible incident at Yonge and Finch in Toronto. Thank you to the first responders working at the scene – we're monitoring the situation closely.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 23, 2018
Premier Kathleen Wynne has commented on the incident as well, saying they are following the situation closely.
Hearing a number of people have been hurt at Yonge and Finch. My thoughts are with everyone affected. We’re following the situation closely — working with our federal and municipal partners. Thank you to the first responders caring for victims and witnesses.
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) April 23, 2018
Wynne spoke with the media outside her office at Queen’s Park and says she has been briefed by the provincial security adviser.
“This is a frightening and tragic situation.” Wynne says, “What I want people to know is all levels of government and police services are working together so the OPP and the RCMP and the Toronto Police Service, all levels are working together and the information is flowing among those organizations.”
Heartbroken to hear police confirm so many dead and injured today in Toronto. Ontario is united in grief. Our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. Provincial, municipal and federal officials continue to work closely together to investigate.
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) April 23, 2018
Ontario PC Party leader Doug Ford and Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath have both tweeted out thoughts and prayers, thanking first-responders on the scene.
Our thoughts are with the victims and those affected at Yonge and Finch. Thank you to the brave EMS and first responders who are working tirelessly to help. We are watching closely.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) April 23, 2018
My heart is with the victims and witnesses of the horror at Yonge and Finch this afternoon, and their loved ones — as well as the emergency responders now on the scene.
— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) April 23, 2018
Mayor John Tory has also released a statement.
My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the nine people killed and 16 injured in today’s cowardly and incomprehensible attack in Toronto. Please read my updated statement here. pic.twitter.com/ihJsVzHsjW
— John Tory (@JohnTory) April 23, 2018
Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also tweeted out a statement, saying his thoughts are with all those affect by the horrific events unfolding at Yonge and Finch.
Tragic news coming out of Toronto – my thoughts are with all those affected by the horrific events unfolding near Yonge and Finch, along with all first responders.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) April 23, 2018
Heartbreaking news: 9 people have died, 15 injured by van plowing thru pedestrians in Toronto. Deepest sympathy to all touched by tragedy.
— Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) April 23, 2018
The city has announced the Toronto sign has been dimmed and all official flags will be flown at half-mast until further notice.
The Toronto Sign has been dimmed and the official flags at Toronto City Hall, all Civic Centres and Metro Hall will be flown at half-mast until further notice to mark the tragic events that took place today. pic.twitter.com/4fNVQbEiJb
— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) April 23, 2018
Tributes continue to pour in on Twitter as well.
In light of the devastating tragedy on Yonge Street today, I have asked that our flags be lowered in honour of the victims, their families, the first responders and the entire Toronto community. Now is a time to come together. #Mississauga stands with #TorontoStrong
— Bonnie Crombie ???????? (@BonnieCrombie) April 23, 2018
A statement from #UofT President Meric Gertler:
"I am saddened by the horrific attack that occurred today at Yonge & Finch. The thoughts of the U of T community are with those who have been affected. Our city is resilient & our citizens are compassionate. We are #TorontoStrong."
— University of Toronto (@UofT) April 24, 2018
Although we are far from home, our hearts and minds are back in Toronto with those affected by today’s tragic events.
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) April 23, 2018
World is becoming scarier by the second. Should never have to question whether going outside for a walk is a bad idea or not. Prayers to Toronto for real! ❤️
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) April 23, 2018
Oh Toronto. My heart goes out to all the victims of one person's despicable actions. Care for the injured, families and friends, if you can.
— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) April 23, 2018
Horrible news today in Toronto . My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected.
— Steven Stamkos (@RealStamkos91) April 23, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by today’s tragic events in Toronto. #TorontoStrong
— Doug Gilmour (@douggilmour) April 23, 2018
All of my love to Toronto. Heartbreaking. ❤️
— Shawn Mendes (@ShawnMendes) April 23, 2018
Our hearts go out to everyone involved in today’s tragic incident. This is our city and our home. Today we stand together ???????? pic.twitter.com/xg1fFVjNkZ
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 24, 2018
Awful news out of Toronto today, I’m shocked and saddened to learn of such a senseless and hateful loss of innocent lives. My prayers are with the families of the victims and all affected by this tragedy.
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) April 24, 2018
Toronto, I love you with every piece of my broken heart.
— Sarah Rafferty (@sarahgrafferty) April 24, 2018
I can’t think of anything else to say- but I’m so very devastated by the brutality and the senselessness of the apparent “terrorist” attack on innocent people in Toronto today. What a tragedy for the family and friends of these dearly departed souls. Hatred is without mercy.
— Jann “stop live horse export” Arden (@jannarden) April 24, 2018
Sending love to the people in Toronto who were effected by the horrible events today. ????????
— Cobie Smulders (@CobieSmulders) April 23, 2018
For more information and updates on the incident, click here.