Police Kill Armed Man at Toronto Airport, Triggering Delays

A 30-year-old man was shot and killed by police at Toronto Pearson International Airport early Thursday, prompting a large emergency response and temporary disruption of operations at Terminal 1.

According to Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), officers from Peel Regional Police were responding to reports of a “distressed” man inside a grey SUV outside Terminal 1 departures. The man allegedly produced a firearm, prompting three officers to open fire.

He was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The SIU has launched an investigation into the incident.

“There are no ongoing threats to public safety,” Peel Police said in a statement, confirming that no officers were injured.

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire just before 7 a.m., describing the sounds as “loud, popping noises.” Emergency crews, including paramedics, quickly converged on the scene. A police cordon was set up around the area, and evidence markers could be seen near the SUV, which had its trunk open.

Social media footage showed traffic piling up around the terminal as access to departures was restricted. Passengers and vehicles were rerouted through the arrivals area.

Despite the lockdown and delays outside, airport authorities said flights continued to operate as scheduled.

The SIU, which investigates incidents involving police that result in serious injury or death, is urging anyone with information to come forward.