[1][2][3] The riot was the result of prejudice against new immigrants as well as the false belief that Greeks were not fighting in World War I[2] and held pro-German views.
Violence broke out on 2 August, when crowds comprising around 5,000–20,000 people, led by local military veterans, looted and destroyed every visibly Greek business in the city centre.
Due to the scope of the violence, the mayor had to invoke the Riot Act to call in the militia and military police.
[2] By Saturday night (3 August), the police and militia were engaged in fierce fighting with rioters in downtown Toronto as they attempted to curb further violence.
[1][2] After the events, Greek community leaders issued an official statement stating that they were in support of the Allies' cause.