Shooting rocks NBA champions parade

Source: News Corp Australia Network:

June 17, 2019 at 17:09

Fans cheer during the Toronto Raptors NBA basketball championship victory parade. Picture: Andrew Lahodynskyj/The Canadian Press via APSource:AP

Basketball fans are fleeing in panic as police say at least two people have been shot at a massive victory rally for the Toronto Raptors.

Horrific footage has captured basketball fans fleeing for their lives from a shooting at a massive victory rally for the Toronto Raptors.

Toronto police say that two victims have been located following the shooting incident at Nathan Phillips Square.

BREAKING: At least 2 people reportedly been shot, 2 other people in custody and 2 firearms recovered by police following a shooting at the Toronto Raptors victory parade. Several others reportedly injured due to stampede: pic.twitter.com/k9F4rio5mh
— Live Report (@tweetlivereport) June 17, 2019

SHOOTING:
Nathan Phillip's Square
-Reports of woman shot
-People running from area
-Police/EMS are on scene
-Unknown what the injuries are#GO112676
^dh
— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) June 17, 2019

I’m on the roof of city hall and something is happening. People are running including what looks to be cops and security pic.twitter.com/FEbhw88OqI
— Jennifer Pagliaro (@jpags) June 17, 2019

Two people also taken into custody and two firearms recovered. Injuries described as serious, but non-life-threatening.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Toronto’s mayor and the Raptors players remained on stage while the ceremony was briefly interrupted.

Police say two people have been shot. Picture: Tijana Martin/The Canadian Press via APSource:AP

Police barricade the street as first responders arrive after shots were fired during the Toronto Raptors NBA basketball championship victory celebration. Picture: Tijana Martin/The Canadian Press via APSource:AP

A reporter from the Toronto Star tweeted that he heard gunshots being fired.

“One witness said four shots. Crowd ran. There is a victim down being given medical attention, surrounded by a crowd, and police are clearing people from the area. Speeches are still going on,” he said.

First responders attend to an injured person after shots were fired. Picture: Tijana Martin/The Canadian Press via APSource:AP

“Crowd on east side running again. Cops said get down. Oh no,” he added.

Some 1.5 million fans descended on the city to celebrate the Raptors’ victory over the Golden State Warriors last week, the first time a non-US team has won the NBA title.

However, there have been problems with overcrowding.

The parade route ends in a square outside City Hall, where cops are lifting those seeking safety over barricades to help them escape the crush.

Local media reports that a child had to be pulled over a barrier and onto a stretcher was among those evacuated.

City officials have prevented any further entry into the square and have shut down several subway stations near the parade due to overcrowding.

More to come