man threatens to shoot up school

Toronto Police arrest man who threatened to shoot up local school

A 28-year-old Hamilton man has been arrested after allegedly telling someone online about his plans to carry out a school shooting in Toronto last Friday.

Judging by the long list of charges he now faces, it would appear as though his threats were at least plausibly credible.

Tygar Allen Campbell has been charged with multiple counts of weapon possession, including the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as for failing to comply with release and probation orders.

He also faces charges of uttering threats, hoax regarding terrorist activity, and using an imitation firearm to conduct an indictable offence.

Toronto Police announced the news Wednesday morning, noting that they had executed a Criminal Code search warrant in the Hamilton area on Tuesday.

Campell was scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m.... roughly 15 minutes before police announced that he had been arrested.

No word yet on if he has been remanded into custody or released on bail pending further court hearings.

What we do know, per police, is that the suspect in this investigation "had been on an online chat with another man" when he stated that he had a gun and would "commit a shooting at an unnamed school on Friday, October 16, 2020."

The Toronto Police Service was notified of the threat shortly after midnight on Friday and said that "immediate steps were taken to ensure the safety of potentially targeted schools."

Despite his distinct facial tattoos and "extensive investigative efforts," police had a hard time identifying Campbell as the suspect. So, they released an image from the chat in question and requested the public's assistance.

Someone who saw that image delivered. Thanks again, internet, for foiling what could have been an atrocious crime.

Lead photo by

Toronto Police


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Toronto Shoppers Drug Mart ad for unpaid volunteer position has people baffled

Toronto was just ranked among the best cities in the world for culture lovers

Here are the rules for setting off your own fireworks in Toronto on Victoria Day

Here's everything you need to know about Ontario's only native lizard species

Thousands without power as massive outage blacks out much of downtown Toronto

Group warns $20 living wage could cost Canada $45B and harm small businesses

People want to rename a popular public space in Toronto after Gord Downie

New proposal for Toronto waterfront includes floating patios and food halls