In a heart-wrenching incident that has shocked Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow is calling for urgent action to prevent gun violence among teens following a tragic exchange of gunfire that resulted in the death of a 16-year-old boy.

"It’s a terrible situation. Sixteen-year-olds shouldn't have guns," Mayor Chow stated emphatically Wednesday morning, addressing reporters before a city council meeting.

The tragic events unfolded on Sunday during a routine traffic stop in North York. Toronto police initiated the stop due to a missing front license plate on the vehicle, which had six occupants.

Body camera footage reveals a tense moment where an officer addresses a young woman in the back seat, before folding the front passenger seat to allow the rear occupants to exit. In a horrifying turn, a young man suddenly lunges forward, brandishing a firearm and opening fire at the officer.

In response, the officer quickly retreated while discharging multiple rounds towards the vehicle, warning of the immediate threat.

Mayor Chow lamented, "We need to provide young people with more opportunities, jobs, and hope, so they don’t feel compelled to join gangs for a sense of belonging."

Tragically, the 16-year-old succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital on Tuesday. Fortunately, the responding officers were not harmed.

The remaining occupants of the vehicle, ranging in age from 16 to 20, were all arrested and face various criminal charges, with one accused of violating a release order.

While the Toronto Police Association (TPA) expressed their support for involved officers, they acknowledged the emotional toll such incidents take, saying, "No police officer wants to use force, let alone fire their weapon. Every encounter is deeply significant and impacts our members profoundly."

As investigations continue, Mayor Chow emphasizes the need for a united effort to combat gang activity and keep guns out of the hands of youth in Toronto.