Police officers armed with semi-automatic rifles will soon be deployed around Toronto as authorities launch a new counterterrorism security unit amid growing concerns over extremist threats.
Starting in the coming days, the units will focus on places of worship, tourist hotspots, high-traffic public areas, and critical infrastructure, Police Chief Myron Demkiw announced Tuesday in a news conference, the CBC reports. Deputy Chief Frank Barredo added that officers will wear protective gear already owned by the department, and their assignments will be guided by police intelligence.
