Mayor Ford says it's 'time to declare war' on gangs

Mayor Rob Ford blames the bloody Scarborough shooting that left two dead and 24 injured on gangs and says it's "time to declare war" on them.

Earlier in the day, Ford said "everyone has to move on and carry on with their life." But he sounded more aggressive later in the day.

"This is about gangs and gang violence,"a statement said. "Frankly, it doesnt matter if they hurt people with guns or knives, bats or bricks. There is no room in Toronto for violent gangs."

Ford said he plans to meet with Premier Dalton McGuinty soon to discuss gang violence, and will be calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper for support.

"We must use every legal means to make life for these thugs miserable, to put them behind bars, or to run them out of town," he said. "We will not rest until being a gang member is a miserable, undesirable life."

He also called anyone who knows anything about theshooting or saw what happened to call police.

"Some people have suggested there is a gang war brewing," he said. "I don't know if that's true.But, I do know it's time for us to declare war on these violent gangs."

'This is the safest city in the world'

Earlier in the day, Ford stressed Toronto's safety at an impromptu news conference in Scarborough.

He called three high profile public shootings that took placein Toronto in less than two months are really "a couple of isolated and unfortunate incidents."

Ford said then thateveryone has to move onwith their life."And the most important thing right now is that we apprehend thesuspects and let the courtsproceed as they may."

Ford told reporters he toured the scene of the shooting on Danzig Street, in southeast Scarborough.

"It looked like the aftermath of a party, except for a lot of gun casings," he said.

Although he said he was "bothered" by what he saw he still considers the crime an "isolated" incident.He didn't mention if he had met with any of the people forced to flee for their lives.

"I'm just here to support the police," Ford said.

And in spite of the recent brazen shootings atToronto's Eaton Centreand inLittle Italy, Ford continued to insist Toronto is safe.

"You know this is the safest city in the world. I've always said that, and I truly believe it, and the numbers show that."

He didn't specify which statistics he was citing, adding he was "very, very proud to live here. I was born here and intend to spend the rest of my life here. And I encourage other people to come here and enjoy this great city."