Gym Owned by Organizer of Mass Anti-Iranian Regime Protests in Toronto Shot at Overnight

A Toronto-area gym owned by Iranian-Canadian activist Salar Gholami was shot at 17 times overnight on March 1, the night after the United States and Israel launched a strike on Iran.

Gholami has helped organize recent anti-Iranian regime protests in Toronto, including the large-scale demonstration on Feb. 14, which was attended by more than 350,000 people. He is also a Canadian Cruiserweight champion boxer with an undefeated professional career, as well as a boxing coach at his gym, Saliwan Boxing.

Gholami told The Epoch Times that his gym in Richmond Hill, Ont., was shot at 17 times during the night on March 1. He said they had a party at the gym the night before, following the killing of the Islamic Republic of Iran leader Ali Khamenei during the U.S.-Israel joint military operation that began on Feb. 28.

No one was at the gym at the time of the shooting. Police say the incident is under investigation and so far have not named any suspects.

Gholami said the incident is concerning as young people, including children, attend his gym. He noted that this was the first time something like this has ever happened at his facility.

He says he thinks he was targeted by those who “support terrorists and the Islamic Republic.”

“I’m so angry because we moved to Canada for freedom, for safety,” Gholami said. “Please help and protect Canadian citizens. This is not just our problem—the Iranian community—it’s a red flag for Canadians.”

Gholami said despite the attack, he will continue to focus on his goal, which is regime change in Iran through a movement led by the exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, but added that he will take precautions to ensure his safety.

The United States and Israel launched their strike on Iran following the failure of multiple talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Iran has retaliated with missiles and drones targeting Israel and neighbouring countries hosting American military bases.

York Regional Police (YRP) said they are investigating the shooting, which occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on March 1.

“The premise shows evidence of gunfire directed at the building,” YRP said in a March 1 statement. “The building was unoccupied at the time of the incident. There were no reported injuries. Damage is limited to property.”

The police service said that no suspect information is being released at this time and that investigators are asking members of the public to contact YRP if they witnessed “suspicious activity” in the area or have residential or commercial video footage from the area during the early morning hours.

YRP had said ahead of the incident that it was increasing police presence across the York region, including areas near faith-based institutions, community centres, schools, and other public gathering places, in light of the “escalation in the conflict in the Middle East.”

“These patrols are proactive and are intended to deter any potential criminal or hate-motivated activity prompted by events overseas,” the police service said in a Feb. 28 statement posted on X.

The Toronto Police Service issued a similar statement on Feb. 28, saying it was “closely monitoring the evolving situation in Iran and any potential impacts locally.” The police force said residents could expect an increased police presence around places of worship and consular offices across the city of Toronto “to support community safety and provide reassurance.”