SIU clears Toronto police officer who shot suspected killer of Const. Marc Pinizzotto

Ontario’s police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), has cleared a Toronto police officer who shot the suspected killer of Const. Marc Pinizzotto during a raid on June 11, 2026. Pinizzotto was killed while Toronto police executed a search warrant at an apartment in North York, connected to multiple shootings, including one at the U.S. Consulate in March.

The SIU’s final report stated that the officers involved "believed their lives to be in danger" and that they acted to protect themselves from grievous bodily harm and death. Upon entering the apartment, one of the officers shot 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett three times, while a second officer fired additional shots into the room. Bennett was taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds to multiple areas of his body and was later charged with first-degree murder.

In conclusion, the SIU reported that the officers involved in the incident acted within their lawful duties when entering the apartment. Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw expressed that the policing community continues to feel the loss of Const. Pinizzotto, highlighting the professionalism, courage, and expertise of the Emergency Task Force members. Bennett is scheduled to appear in court again on November 4.