Three armed men indiscriminately opened fire on patrons at the Piper Arms pub in Toronto, injuring twelve people. Six victims sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, while six others were injured by broken glass. Police described the incident as a reckless act of violence and are investigating the motive. No arrests have been made, but a suspect was seen fleeing in a silver car.
Data from four Greater Toronto Area police forces reveals that a vast majority of crime guns seized in 2024 originated in the United States—ranging from 63% to 90% depending on the force. These firearms are increasingly used in violent crimes like home invasions and carjackings, representing a significant rise in recent years. This trend aligns with long-standing research showing the U.S. as a major exporter of firearms, facilitated by lax gun laws south of the border. A University of Toronto professor highlights the ease with which individuals acquire these weapons, directly contradicting claims that Canada is solely responsible for cross-border criminal activity.
A gunman, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, took hostages at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, resulting in a shootout with police that left one officer dead and several others injured, including three hospital staff members. Archangel-Ortiz, who had prior contact with the hospital, was killed by police. The incident highlights the escalating violence against healthcare workers, mirroring a national trend of gun violence in medical facilities. The deceased officer, Andrew Duarte, was a veteran law enforcement officer.
Wesley Larry Lyons Jr. received a 65-year prison sentence for a shooting at his child’s birthday party in a Maryland mall. Lyons, convicted of attempted murder and related charges, fired multiple shots at a man intervening in a fight involving his mother and the mother of his child. The shooting endangered multiple adults and children, and Lyons subsequently fled, leading to a 28-day manhunt before his arrest. The judge’s decision reflects Harford County’s zero-tolerance policy towards gun violence, with Lyons facing significant prison time.
Andrew Lester, an 86-year-old Kansas City man, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in the shooting of Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager who mistakenly rang his doorbell. This plea deal avoids a trial on more serious charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action, resulting in a significantly reduced potential sentence of up to seven years. The plea acknowledges Lester’s actions but incorporates the concept of “sudden passion,” suggesting a mitigating factor in the shooting. The shooting, which occurred in April 2023, sparked national outrage and reignited discussions about gun laws and race in America.
Sweden experienced its worst mass shooting, leaving the immigrant community deeply unsettled. A gunman killed ten students at an adult learning center before taking his own life, with victims including Syrian and Bosnian nationals. The lack of official information from authorities regarding the shooter’s identity and motive fueled fear and uncertainty, prompting concerns about potential underlying societal issues. This event, unprecedented in Sweden’s history, has raised anxieties about safety and spurred calls for answers from the community and government.
Eleven people tragically lost their lives in Örebro, Sweden, marking the deadliest mass shooting in the country’s history. This horrific event, unfolding at an adult education college, has understandably shocked a nation known for its relatively low rates of gun violence.
The suspected perpetrator, identified by Swedish media as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson (who changed his name from Jonas Simon in 2017), reportedly struggled with mental health issues throughout his life. Reports paint a picture of a man who had been largely isolated, unemployed, and had not completed his formal education. His decision to return to school as an adult might have presented overwhelming challenges, potentially contributing to the tragic events.… Continue reading
A shooting occurred at Risbergska School in Orebro, Sweden, resulting in at least five individuals being shot with an automatic weapon. Police responded swiftly, securing the school and urging public avoidance while the operation remained ongoing. Authorities later indicated a suspect, possibly among the hospitalized, and the evacuation of students and staff commenced. The justice minister confirmed the severity of the situation and the government’s close monitoring of the police operation.
The Trump administration’s decision to disband the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board is a setback for school safety initiatives. This board, established after the Parkland shooting and codified into law, provided crucial research and best practices to schools nationwide. Its dissolution, condemned by GIFFORDS, prioritizes the gun lobby’s interests over student safety, particularly concerning given the 330 school shootings in 2024. This action represents a failure of bipartisan cooperation on a critical issue impacting children’s lives.
In Hartford, Connecticut, a 12-year-old boy sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being shot following a snowball fight. The shooting occurred when a car, reportedly chasing the children after being hit with a snowball, fired shots at the children. An 11-year-old companion was unharmed. Hartford Police are actively investigating the incident, reviewing area video footage and searching for the suspect vehicle.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood