Toronto police named the suspect in a shooting attack that left two dead as 29-year-old Faisal Hussain, who family members said had been mentally ill all his life.
A gunman opened fire in central Toronto, injuring 13 people including a child. Photo: AFP
The suspect was later found dead, authorities said.
"We do not know why this happened," Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said.
He said that he would not speculate about the gunman's motive.
"It's way too early to rule out anything."
The suspect armed with a handgun opened fire at 0200 GMT Monday on a stretch of Danforth Avenue filled with restaurants, the Special Investigations Unit said.
Police did not identify the two young women. Local politician Nathaniel Erskine-Smith confirmed the 18-year-old was Reese Fallon, a recent high school graduate who planned to study nursing.
"The family is devastated," Mr Erskine-Smith said in a statement, adding that they ask for privacy while they mourn a young woman who was "smart, passionate and full of energy."
The gunman walked down the busy avenue firing.
The gunman, a 29-year-old Toronto man, exchanged fire with police, fled and was later found dead, according to the Special Investigations Unit, which investigates deaths and injuries involving police.
In a video clip shared by Canadian media, a white man wearing a dark cap and dark clothing and carrying a shoulder bag can be seen stopping on a pavement and pulling out a handgun before firing shots.
The suspect, who police identified as 29-year-old Faisal Hussain, had a gunshot wound but authorities would not elaborate on the circumstances or cause of his death.
The Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said it was releasing his name due "to the exceptional circumstances of this tragic incident".
In a statement released to various media outlets, Mr Hussain's family expressed their "deepest condolences" to the victims and their families for what they called "our son's horrific actions".
"Our hearts are in pieces for the victims and for our city as we all come to grips with this terrible tragedy," they said.
In the statement, the family said Mr Hussain "had severe mental health challenges, struggling with psychosis and depression his entire life".
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Twitter yesterday, "The people of Toronto are strong, resilient and brave - and we'll be there to support you through this difficult time."
My thoughts are with everyone affected by the terrible tragedy on the Danforth last night in Toronto, and may the injured make a full recovery. The people of Toronto are strong, resilient and brave - and we’ll be there to support you through this difficult time.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 23, 2018
Toronto Mayor John Tory said the city had a gun problem, with weapons too readily available to too many people.
"Why does anyone in this city need to have a gun at all?" he asked in an address to city councilors.
To own a gun in Canada an individual must apply for a license, pass a background check and pass a firearm safety test. Guns must be kept locked and unloaded and can only be legally carried outside the home with a special permit. Handguns and other restricted firearms require passing an additional course.
Canada's crime rate rose by 1 percent in 2017, the third consecutive annual increase, according to Statistics Canada.
The murder rate jumped by 7 percent, due largely to killings in British Columbia and Quebec, while crime involving guns grew by 7 percent.
Toronto is grappling with a sharp rise in gun violence this year. Deaths from gun violence has jumped 53 percent to 26 so far this year from the same period last year, police data last week showed, with the number of shootings rising 13 percent.
Toronto has deployed about 200 police officers since 20 July in response to the recent spate in shootings, which city officials have blamed on gang violence.
Mr Saunders said the police presence would be increased in the Danforth area following the shooting.
In April, a driver deliberately plowed his van into a crowd in Toronto, police said, killing 10 people and injuring 15.
-BBC / Reuters
