WARMINGTON: Iranian-Canadian activist's gym shot up hours after ayatollah's demise
· Toronto Sun
The overnight shooting at a boxing gym run by a well-known activist for Iranian freedom is being investigated by York Regional Police.
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But since it occurred just hours after the announced death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Tehran, a call to the federal government and CSIS as well would seem to be appropriate.
On social media, Salar Gholami, a professional boxer who runs the Saliwan Boxing Club, recorded a video showing the front entrance of his gym on Yonge St. in Richmond Hill after it was shot up with numerous rounds.
Bullet holes can be seen in some of the windows, while at least two panes were shattered.
Suspect information yet to be released
Calls seeking a comment from Gholami had yet to be returned.
SHOOTING:
— York Regional Police (@YRP) March 1, 2026
3:00am
-East side of Yonge St north of Steeles Ave W,
Richmond Hill
Police are investigating a shooting that occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. at a commercial property on the east side of Yonge Street, north of Steeles Avenue West.
The premise shows evidence of… pic.twitter.com/jmGQ2Zd8HC
The video was posted not long after York Regional Police said a shooting happened at 3 a.m., north of the Yonge-Steeles Ave. W. area.
“The premise shows evidence of gunfire directed at the building,” police said in a social-media post. “The building was unoccupied at the time of the incident. There were no reported injuries. Damage is limited to property.”
Const. Kevin Nebrija was unable to provide additional information including whether the shooting was being investigated as a suspected hate crime.
“The motive behind the shooting is unknown and there is no suspect information at this time,” he said. “Investigators from our firearms investigations team continue to canvass the area for any security camera footage around the time of the shooting.”
Investigators urged anyone with video footage of the area or information about the shooting to contact them at 905-830-0303, Ext 7241.
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Gholami outspoken critic of Iranian regime
But it’s no secret that not only has Gholami been outspoken against the regime in Iran for many years, he also has been front and centre at various rallies that have drawn so many people in recent weeks.
A friend close to him said he is not the only high-profile person on this effort to have been threatened.
A message to our community in light of an escalation in the conflict in the Middle East:
— York Regional Police (@YRP) February 28, 2026
Residents can expect to see increased police presence across the region, including near faith-based institutions, community centres, schools and other public gathering places. pic.twitter.com/2VZh1CdJ95
Police are keeping their information close to the vest since this is a tricky matter as the world fears retaliation for the attacks.
Just one day earlier, York police said residents could expect to see an increased police presence across the region, including near faith-based institutions, community centres, schools and other public gathering places, in the wake of the incidents in the Middle East .