By Canadian Press

The latest from the Raptors parade in Toronto

Jun 19, 2019 | 7:14 AM

TORONTO — 7:20 p.m.

Toronto police now say they have made three arrests in connection with a shooting that took place as a large victory rally for the Raptors was underway.

They also say four people have injuries related to the shooting, which took place around 3:45 p.m. local time.

Anyone with photos or videos from the area at the time of the shooting is being asked to share them with authorities.

Toronto Mayor John Tory called the shooting an unfortunate part of an otherwise “spectacularly successful” day.

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———

5:30 p.m.

Crowds have dispersed from Nathan Phillips Square following a massive rally for the Toronto Raptors that was briefly interrupted by a shooting at the edge of the festivities.

The event continued even as pockets of fans rushed for safety.

Police say two people were shot and suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries.

They say two suspects were arrested and firearms were recovered.

City spokesman Brad Ross says more than a million people were gathered in and around the area of Nathan Phillips Square.

———

4:15 p.m.

The Raptors celebratory rally at Nathan Phillips Square was briefly suspended after police said there were reports of a woman being shot.

Cellphone videos posted on social media show people running from the area near the stage.

Police did not have any further details.

Eye witnesses say word of the shooting sent a section of the crowd into a stampede, with people screaming and hiding in nearby bushes.

They say children in strollers were bowled over as frantic parents tried to shield them.

Police have set up barricades on the south side of the square.

———

3:55 p.m.

Toronto Mayor John Tory has given Kawhi Leonard the key to the city.

Tory says the 2019 Finals MVP and his teammates already have the key to the hearts of Torontonians.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the celebrating crowd saying the Raptors brought all of Canada together.

He said he would like the new NBA champions to do it all over again next year.  

———

3:15 p.m.

The Raptors have arrived at Nathan Phillips Square where fans are gathered for what is being touted as the biggest party in the city’s history.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also in the crowd, shaking hands with fans, some of whom have been waiting for over eight hours.

At one point, Trudeau briefly shook hands with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who was decked in a Raptors T-shirt.

Police have closed off the square outside city hall, and viewing screens have been set up at Yonge-Dundas Square for those who couldn’t make it.

The celebration rally at Nathan Phillips Square was scheduled for 12:30 p.m., but the massive crowds slowed down the procession.

———

2:40 p.m.

The Toronto Raptors parade moved up to the sky this afternoon, as Royal Canadian Air Force jets flew over Nathan Phillips Square.

The roaring sound of the Snowbirds was followed by the cheers of the massive crowd awaiting the arrival of the new NBA champions.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford are expected to attend the rally.

Mayor John Tory has declared Monday “We The North Day” in Toronto   

———

2 p.m.

With the help of Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry, fans along the parade route are voicing what they hope Kawhi Leonard decides as he approaches free agency.

The crowd is chanting “one more year” as the double-decker bus carrying Leonard, Lowry and others slowly makes its way toward Nathan Phillips Square.

When Lowry holds out five fingers, the crowd starts bellowing “five more years.”

The Raptors can offer Leonard a five-year extension worth about US$190 million, while other teams can offer only four years for about US$140 million.

Leonard could start negotiating with teams as a free agent on June 30.

———

1:05 p.m.

Police officers are trying to stop more people from entering Nathan Phillips Square, where the Raptors parade procession is expected to arrive.

The city tweeted the square is at capacity and no one else will be allowed in.

Some fans are already leaving the square saying the crowd is getting rowdy.

A child that appeared to be semi-conscious was pulled over the crowd by security and put on a stretcher.

Other fans are complaining about lack of water and say they’re getting dehydrated.

Police say “several children” have been separated from their parents.

They say the children will be taken to 52 Division, where parents can pick them up. 

———

12:15 p.m.

Toronto police say all viewing areas along the route of the Raptors parade are close to capacity.

They are urging fans to stay off the road so that the players and their floats can move along.

The procession was expected to reach city hall at noon, but was slowed down by the massive crowds.

At Nathan Phillips Square, police officers are taking families with young kids to a separated section away from the main crowd.

Meanwhile, GO Transit has set up a designated spot at Union Station for any children who may get separated from their families.

Mayor John Tory has declared Monday “We The North Day” in Toronto.

———

11:10

The crowd at Nathan Phillips Square is awaiting the arrival of the Raptors players as the parade continues.

Some fans are holding signs that read “Stay” aimed at Raptors star Kawhi Leonard, who was named 2019 Finals MVP last week.

Leonard has a player option on his contract for next year, but is expected to decline it and become a free agent.

He is eligible to start talking to teams on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET.

The Raptors acquired Leonard in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs last summer, sending former Toronto star DeMar DeRozan to San Antonio as part of the multi-player deal.

———

11 a.m.

Toronto rapper Drake is riding alongside the Raptors in the team’s victory parade.

A staunch supporter and the team’s global ambassador, Drake has been a fixture at every home game.

He watched the final game against the Golden State Warriors last Thursday at Jurassic Park with thousands of boisterous fans.

The rapper was with the team this weekend as they celebrated their historic win in Las Vegas.

———

10:25 a.m.

Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry is holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy given to the new NBA champions.

He is one of the Raptors riding in a double-decker bus moving slowly along the parade route lined up with thousands of fans.  

Lowry is wearing a Damon Stoudamire jersey with the Raptors’ original logo.

Stoudamire was the Raptors’ first-ever draft pick and went on to win rookie of the year in 1995-96.

Lowry and Stoudamire were teammates with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2007-08.

———

10:05 a.m.

The Raptors’ victory parade has kicked off in Toronto, with thousands of fans turning out to celebrate the NBA champions.

Players and their families are riding in five open top double-decker buses along the route, smiling and waving to the cheering crowds.

Some of the Raptors are smoking cigars and drinking champagne.

Head coach Nick Nurse is in a red convertible with his family, while other coaches and executives are on floats and other vehicles.

The parade is set to end at a square outside Toronto’s city hall, where a rally will be held.

———

9:45 a.m.

Thousands of Raptors fans have packed the route of the parade celebrating the Toronto team’s NBA championship win.

The basketball team clinched the title on Thursday, becoming the first NBA franchise outside the U.S. to win the Finals.

The parade is set to start at fair grounds by Toronto’s lakefront and end at a public square outside city hall.

Players will be riding in open top double-decker buses, along with the families, coaches and team executives.

The Canadian Press