The victim has been identified as 27-year-old Kabil Abdulkhadir, and police have released an image of him.
Toronto police say the shooting occurred in front of the Marriott Hotel near the intersection of Bay Street and Dundas Street West. Police were called to the scene at around 2:45 a.m. ET Sunday morning.
“We arrived to find a male apparently suffering from gunshot wounds,” said Det.-Sgt. Joyce Schertzer. “He was pronounced deceased, and we’re still here at the scene investigating.”
The homicide investigation closed down parts of Bay St. near Yonge-Dundas Square, from Dundas Street West south to Albert Street, beside Toronto City Hall.
“We haven’t confirmed … any real, concrete suspect description other than that there was some [gun]fire exchanged,” Schertzer said.
Mark Goldrup, the general manager of the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre, released the following statement in response to the incident:
“The safety and security of our guests and associates is a top priority at Marriott International. We are aware of the incident that happened across the street from our hotel … We are fully co-operating with the local authorities on their investigation of this incident.”
Police say they are canvassing the area and appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information by calling the homicide squad at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Const. Victor Kwong said there are “varying accounts” of what happened after the shooting, including an unconfirmed report that someone fled into the Marriott after shots were fired.
“For precaution, we are holding Marriott as a scene,” Kwong said.
Guests of the hotel are allowed to leave the premises but cannot take their vehicles outside of the garage. Once guests do leave the hotel, they are not currently allowed to return to the building.