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Al-Quds Day has been described by Toronto organizers as a show of support for Palestine, and Young says police initially anticipated 3,000 people to attend the demonstration outside the U.S. consulate on Saturday afternoon but the number could be higher given recent geopolitical tensions.

Social media posts promoting the event say demonstrators will also be calling for "no war in Iran and Lebanon."

Young says the rally comes amid heightened unease and fears of violence in the city after shots were fired at three synagogues and the U.S. consulate in the past two weeks.

He says police are aware of concerns about the possibility of confrontation between groups with opposing views, and officers will monitor the event closely and deploy resources as needed.

Young says that anyone who engages in violence or obstructs police "can expect that the law will be enforced swiftly and decisively."

"We are asking everyone who plans to attend, whether they are participating in the event or protesting it, to do so lawfully and respectfully," said Young.

He said officers will also be monitoring the demonstration for incidents involving hate speech and signage, hate-motivated crimes or the display of symbols associated with groups designated by the federal government as terrorist organizations.

"Any reported incident will be investigated. It's important to remember that charges do not have to be immediate. Evidence gathered during or after an event can lead to charges being laid hours, days or even weeks later," he said.

Young added that airspace above and around the U.S. consulate will be restricted this weekend, which applies to all drone operations. 

Police have previously said it was too early to determine if Tuesday's shooting at the consulate was connected to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, but that security would be increased at Israeli and American embassies and consulates in both Toronto and Ottawa.

This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published March 12, 2026.