On the morning of April 25, 2025, a fatal police shooting occurred outside Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport following a family dispute involving a man named Daniel Dolan. Peel Regional Police officers responded to a call for assistance shortly before 7 a.m. and attempted to de-escalate the situation. The confrontation escalated when Dolan brandished a firearm, prompting officers to discharge their weapons. Dolan was later pronounced dead at a hospital, and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has launched an investigation into the incident. Airport operations were not disrupted, and authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat.
Incident Details and Police Response
On April 25, 2025, Peel Regional Police officers were dispatched to Terminal 1 of Toronto Pearson International Airport following reports of a family dispute that had escalated into a public disturbance. According to police statements, the situation involved an individual, later identified as Daniel Dolan, who was reportedly armed.
Upon arrival shortly before 7 a.m., officers engaged with Dolan in an effort to de-escalate the conflict. Body camera footage released by Peel Regional Police shows officers attempting to communicate peacefully with the individual. However, the encounter became violent when Dolan produced a firearm, creating an immediate danger to both officers and bystanders.
Use of Force and Medical Response
Faced with a direct threat, officers discharged their firearms, striking Dolan. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene within minutes. Dolan was transported to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The use of lethal force by law enforcement is currently under review by the independent Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which is responsible for investigating incidents involving police-related deaths in Ontario.
Investigation and Public Safety Measures
The SIU has confirmed that an official investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances leading to the shooting, including whether proper protocols were followed by the responding officers. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have pledged transparency, committing to releasing findings when available.
Toronto Pearson International Airport officials stated that airport operations continued without interruption throughout the incident and subsequent investigation. Airport security and police have reassured travelers and staff that there is no ongoing threat, and normal security measures remain in place.
Community and Official Reactions
Local government representatives and law enforcement agencies have expressed condolences to the family affected by the incident, emphasizing the challenges officers face during high-risk interventions. Community groups have called for a thorough investigation and dialogue concerning the use of force in policing, especially in public and sensitive locations such as airports.
The incident highlights the complexities involved in managing armed confrontations in crowded public spaces, prompting discussions about training, crisis intervention strategies, and the provision of mental health resources for individuals in distress.
The fatal shooting of Daniel Dolan at Toronto Pearson International Airport underscores the difficult and often dangerous circumstances law enforcement officers face when responding to armed and volatile situations. While the Special Investigations Unit’s ongoing review aims to ensure accountability and transparency, the incident also serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive training and resources to manage crises effectively. Airport authorities and police have maintained that public safety remains a priority, with no continuing threat to travelers or staff. As the investigation proceeds, community calls for balanced dialogue on the use of force and mental health support highlight the broader implications of such events for policing practices and public safety management in complex environments.