Celebrities, Politicians & Torontonians React to Toronto Van Attack

There really aren’t enough words to describe how I and many people here in Toronto feel about what took place on our streets today.

Around 1:30 this afternoon, police received reports that a white van had drove onto the sidewalk in the Yonge & Sheppard/Finch area of the city and had struck everything, and tragically, everyone in its pathway.

The result?

10 people have been confirmed dead and 15 injured (read more here from our friends at CityNews). 

Now, I won’t take the time to discuss whether this was a terrorist attack (I’ll leave that up to the survivors and their families who I can only imagine felt extreme terror today), but I do want to share with you some of the reaction from celebrities, athletes, politicians and locals, like myself have had as a result of today’s tragedy.

Politicians have offered their thoughts and prayers…

My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the nine people killed and 16 injured in today’s cowardly and incomprehensible attack in Toronto. Please read my updated statement here. pic.twitter.com/ihJsVzHsjW

— John Tory (@JohnTory) April 23, 2018

Heartbroken to hear police confirm so many dead and injured today in Toronto. Ontario is united in grief. Our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. Provincial, municipal and federal officials continue to work closely together to investigate.

— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) April 23, 2018

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the terrible incident at Yonge and Finch in Toronto. Thank you to the first responders working at the scene – we're monitoring the situation closely.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 23, 2018

The Toronto Sign has been dimmed and the official flags at Toronto City Hall, all Civic Centres and Metro Hall will be flown at half-mast until further notice to mark the tragic events that took place today. pic.twitter.com/4fNVQbEiJb

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) April 23, 2018

Our thoughts are with the victims and those affected at Yonge and Finch. Thank you to the brave EMS and first responders who are working tirelessly to help. We are watching closely.

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) April 23, 2018

Celebrities and athletes have also offered their words of support…

All of my love to Toronto. Heartbreaking. ??

— Shawn Mendes (@ShawnMendes) April 23, 2018

Prayers for Toronto. ??

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) April 23, 2018

World is becoming scarier by the second. Should never have to question whether going outside for a walk is a bad idea or not. Prayers to Toronto for real! ??

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) April 23, 2018

We stand with Toronto in sending our heartfelt condolences to those affected in today’s tragic event at Yonge and Finch.

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 23, 2018

To all those affected by today’s tragic events, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We stand as one with the City of Toronto.

— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) April 23, 2018

Toronto! I have so much love for you.

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) April 23, 2018

Although we are far from home, our hearts and minds are back in Toronto with those affected by today’s tragic events.

— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) April 23, 2018

Our hearts go out to everyone involved in today’s tragic incident. This is our city and our home. Today we stand together pic.twitter.com/xg1fFVjNkZ

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 24, 2018

#TorontoStrong To all of the families affected, I am thinking of you, to all of the first responders, thank you & to all of Toronto, I love you. pic.twitter.com/8JVyBclm9M

— Scott McGillivray (@smcgillivray) April 23, 2018

Oh Toronto. My heart goes out to all the victims of one person's despicable actions. Care for the injured, families and friends, if you can.

— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) April 23, 2018

Horrible news today in Toronto . My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected.

— Steven Stamkos (@RealStamkos91) April 23, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by today’s tragic events in Toronto. #TorontoStrong

— Doug Gilmour (@douggilmour) April 23, 2018

Sending all my love to the city of Toronto and the families affected by this tragedy. #TorontoStrong

— Evander Kane (@evanderkane) April 23, 2018

In some sense, it’s perfect that the Toronto Maple Leafs, (arguably the most popular sports team in the city) are playing tonight in Game 6 of their NHL playoff matchup against the Boston Bruins.

You’d be hard pressed to find another sport that brings the city, and country together like hockey does.

Prior to tonight’s game, the Leafs held a moment silence for victims, and in true Canadian fashion, the crowd at the Air Canada Centre sang along to the Canadian national anthem.

https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/988558803074539520

We are Toronto. https://t.co/7SQphtidDb

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 23, 2018

"We're going to play our heart out for this city."

Ron Hainsey has a special message for the City of Toronto after today's tragic event. pic.twitter.com/CvglPly4Zy

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 23, 2018

Classy move by the Leafs opponent, the Boston Bruins, prior to the game as well…

Our thoughts are with all of those affected by today’s tragedy. We stand with the City of Toronto during this difficult time.

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 23, 2018

While it’s great to see some reaction from high profile people, and organizations, local Torontonians have been hit hard today, with many sharing not just words of sadness and despair, but many have offered words of encouragement and resiliency…

A sad day for Toronto. 9 lives lost, 16 injured, and thousands searching for answers. We will come together, support those affect by today’s devastating events, and be #TorontoStrong. Thank you to our first responders. pic.twitter.com/jE28gltk4Z

— Winston Sih (@WinstonSih) April 23, 2018

Never thought I would have to post something like this for the city I love. #PrayForToronto #TorontoStrong pic.twitter.com/2piUtD6JP1

— Just A Flirt ???? (@TFCFan) April 23, 2018

https://twitter.com/JaysTrain2Reign/status/988540603473408000

Our city – hard to understand what just happened. My heart goes out to all the victims of such a horrendous act. #TorontoStrong pic.twitter.com/cetwbUvyNr

— Sangita Patel (@sangita_patel) April 23, 2018

9 people dead. 16 injured.

Everything else seems so insignificant at the moment.

My thoughts & hopes are with everyone affected & their families.

Toronto is a strong, multicultural city – please continue to support each other. #torontoattack

— Devo Brown (@devobrown) April 23, 2018

https://twitter.com/sandrabenven67/status/988502282928115712

https://twitter.com/Deadpool1973/status/988535921552355328

https://twitter.com/Lalisa1973/status/988502320324399105

https://twitter.com/TO_sportsgirl/status/988566633429028864

My city is the most multicultural in the world and we all mourn today. #TorontoAttack

— Emily Andras (@emtothea) April 23, 2018

https://twitter.com/MatthewsIsALeaf/status/988531313555599361

If you’re wondering about friends or family in Toronto, Facebook has a crisis page set up for people to say that they’re safe, click HERE.

The events of today hit home for me, in a major way, as it did for many of us. But we are a strong bunch, a resilient bunch, and we won’t allow the events of April 23^rd, 2018 to define our city.

Why?

Because we are #TorontoStrong.