A social media post by Eyal Yakoby on July 20, 2025, has drawn significant attention to the Toronto Police Service's efforts against violent extremism, claiming a new focus on specific groups. The tweet stated:
"BREAKING: In a shocking turn, Toronto police have finally started arresting violent Islamists. After two years of letting them terrorize the city, they’re finally taking action." This assertion highlights ongoing public scrutiny regarding police responses to ideologically motivated threats within the Toronto area, prompting a closer look at recent law enforcement activities.
The Toronto Police Service, often in close collaboration with federal agencies like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) through Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams (INSET), has consistently engaged in investigations targeting various forms of violent extremism. These joint efforts are crucial for disrupting activities that pose a threat to national security and public safety across the country. INSET, composed of representatives from municipal, provincial, and federal police forces, facilitates comprehensive information sharing and strategic analysis to counter complex threats.
Recent reports indicate continued law enforcement action against ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE) across Canada, with some cases having direct ties to the Greater Toronto Area. For instance, the RCMP in July 2025 announced charges against four individuals in Quebec linked to an anti-government militia, described as motivated by violent extremism, following a significant investigation. Earlier, in December 2023, two Ontario men, including one from Toronto, faced terrorism charges related to far-right extremist and neo-Nazi movements following an 18-month investigation that saw the direct involvement and support of the Toronto Police Service.
Historically, Canadian counter-terrorism efforts have addressed a broad spectrum of extremist ideologies, including those associated with Islamic extremist groups, alongside emerging threats from far-right and other ideologically motivated movements. While the tweet by Eyal Yakoby specifically uses the term "violent Islamists," official police communications typically employ broader classifications like "ideologically motivated violent extremism" to encompass the diverse nature of these threats. The social media post reflects a public perspective on the perceived effectiveness and evolving focus of current law enforcement strategies in Toronto, underscoring the dynamic challenge faced by authorities in combating extremism.