Shooting at Toronto Pearson Airport: Man Dead, Investigation Underway

A 30-year-old man has died following a police-involved shooting at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The incident, which occurred early in the morning, has led to road closures, delays, and an ongoing investigation by the province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

Details of the Shooting

The shooting occurred around 7 a.m. when Peel Regional Police were called to investigate a “man in distress” in an SUV at the departures level of Terminal 1. According to the SIU, officers encountered the man, who allegedly produced a firearm, prompting three officers to discharge their weapons. The man was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after.

Peel Police confirmed that no officers were injured in the incident and that it is being treated as an isolated occurrence with no threat to public safety.

Witness Accounts

Several witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots before witnessing emergency responders at the scene. Danilo Simic, who was at the airport, reported hearing over 10 loud bangs that he recognized as gunshots. He witnessed a man lying on the ground, bleeding from his torso and head, with an officer performing CPR. Other witnesses, including Jake Seymour, also reported hearing shots and observed the heavy police presence at the airport following the incident.

Investigation and Police Presence

The SIU, which investigates incidents involving police that result in death or serious injury, has dispatched a team of investigators to the scene. The area outside Terminal 1 remains blocked off with police tape, and a grey SUV with evidence markers was seen at the scene. Numerous police vehicles were stationed around the airport as officers continued to secure the area.

Impact on Airport Operations

Despite the police activity, Pearson Airport confirmed that flights are continuing to operate normally. However, passengers are being advised to use the arrivals road to Terminal 1 as the departure road is closed for the ongoing investigation. The airport also stated that passengers can park at Terminal 3 or the Viscount Station Kiss and Fly lot and take the train to Terminal 1.

The 900 Airport Express bus service is currently detouring via Terminal 3 due to the police presence. Service on the UP Express remains unaffected.

Road Closures and Transportation Delays

Ontario Provincial Police confirmed that Highway 409 leading to Terminal 1 Departures is closed, and passengers should expect delays in the surrounding areas. The TTC has confirmed that the 900 Airport Express is rerouted via Terminal 3.

Ongoing Investigation

The SIU continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the police shooting. The agency is an independent body tasked with reviewing incidents involving police that result in death or injury. Investigators will collect evidence, including security footage, to determine what led to the tragic incident. Pearson Airport operations will continue with some delays, but flight services remain mostly unaffected.

More…

• https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-toronto-police-shoot-man-at-pearson-international-airport
• https://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/cp-newsalert-30-year-old-man-shot-dead-by-police-at-torontos-pearson-airport/article_067156fe-8dbc-5457-8e82-fd0b0f513054.html
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/local/article/fatal-police-involved-shooting-at-torontos-pearson-airport-live-updates-here