Officer involved in fatal streetcar shooting suspended, hundreds rally

Hundreds of people, including family and friends of 18-year Sammy Yatim, marched on Monday to the scene of the teen’s fatal shooting at the hands of police.

Angry protesters, some chanting “Shame!” and “Murder!” gathered at Yonge-Dundas Square around 5 p.m. and began walking towards Dundas Street West near Grace Street. That’s where a police officer shot Yatim several times early Saturday while the teen was alone on a TTC streetcar, reportedly wielding a knife.

The march ended at 14 Division headquarters near College Street and Dovercourt Road.

Yatim’s mother was on hand after flying to Toronto from Syria.

She wore a shirt that said, “Protect us from our protectors,” and was visibly emotional at the rally.

Not long before the rally started, CityNews learned that the officer involved in the shooting has been suspended with pay. He’s been on the job for six years.

Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack said the suspended officer is “devastated” and “overwhelmed” and urged the public not to jump to conclusion until all the facts come to light.

Earlier Monday, police Chief Bill Blair said he would be leading a review into police policies, procedures and training after the fatal shooting.

Blair’s report will come within 30 days after the Special Investigations Unit’s (SIU) findings are submitted.

The chief admitted Monday that there were many unanswered questions surrounding the shooting and offered his condolences to Yatim’s family, saying Toronto police are reaching out to them.

“As a father, I can only imagine their terrible grief and their need for answers,” he said from police headquarters. “We will commit to doing our best to ensure that those answers are provided.

A bystander told CityNews that Yatim was armed with a knife on a streetcar on Dundas Street West, near Grace, and police ordered him to drop it while pointing their guns at him.

The witness said an officer fired several rounds, hitting Yatim. No passengers were on the streetcar at the time of the shooting, leading some to question on social media whether deadly force was necessary.

A video of the shooting soon surfaced on YouTube.

“Like many members of the public, I have viewed the video of this incident,” Blair said. “I am aware of the very serious concerns that the public has. I know that people are seeking answers as to what occurred, why it happened and if anything could have been done to prevent the tragic death of this young man.”

An SIU release Monday confirmed that Yatim “sustained multiple gunshot wounds” and that a Taser was used.

The police watchdog said it is investigating the actions of one police officer in the death and will be interviewing 22 witness officers, as well as numerous bystanders. Video footage is also being utilized.

“Members of the Toronto police will fully co-operate with the SIU,” Blair assured.

“I am very aware that the public is very concerned about this tragic event. They have every right to be concerned.”

Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne called Yatim’s death a “tragic situation.”

“My heart goes out to the family,” said Wynne.

And Ontario’s ombudsman — who investigates complaints against the Ontario government — said the shooting will be discussed at a retreat on Tuesday. In a post on Twitter, Andre Marin asked Ontarians to share their thoughts with him directly.

With files from The Canadian Press

Below is Blair’s full statement:

As you are all aware, late last Friday evening members of the Toronto Police Service responded to a radio call in the area of Dundas Street West and Bellwoods Avenue. Shortly thereafter, a young man was killed.

The scene was secured and the Special Investigations Unit was immediately notified. The Special Investigations Unit has invoked their mandate to conduct an investigation and all members of the Toronto Police Service will fully co-operate with the SIU in the conduct of their investigation.

I would like to begin by expressing my very sincere condolences to the family and friends of the young man that was killed. I have, this morning, asked Deputy Chief Mike Federico to reach out to the family of the deceased, to express our condolences and sympathy and to offer whatever support we are able to provide. As a father, I can only imagine their terrible grief and their need for answers. We will commit to doing our best to ensure that those answers are provided.

I would also like to speak to some of the concerns that have been raised with respect to this incident.

Like many members of the public, I have viewed the video of this incident. I am aware of the very serious concerns that the public has. I know that people are seeking answers as to what occurred, why it happened and if anything could have been done to prevent the tragic death of this young man. I am also seeking the answers to these important questions.
I want to assure all of the citizens of Toronto of our unwavering commitment to get the answers they seek.

The Special Investigations Unit has invoked their mandate and their investigation must take priority over all other inquiries. I am prevented by law from disclosing any information with respect to the incident, or the investigation. This regulation is aimed at maintaining the integrity of the investigation and I intend to uphold it. We will co-operate fully in the SIU’s investigation.

In addition, the law states that the Chief of Police must cause an investigation to be conducted forthwith into this incident, subject to the SIU’s lead role in investigating the matter. The purpose of the Chief’s investigation is to review the policies, procedures and training of the Service and to determine if those policies, procedures and training were followed. A thorough investigation into the conduct of all members of the Service involved in this incident will be conducted.

A full report on my review, actions taken and recommendations will be submitted to the Toronto Police Services Board within 30 days of being notified that the SIU has reported the results of their investigation to the Attorney General. That, too, is the law.

I am very aware that the public is very concerned about this tragic event. They have every right to be concerned. I recognize that there is a need for answers and that the public quite rightfully expects that this matter will be thoroughly investigated. I want to assure you that this will be done.

The public also has a right to demand that the Toronto Police Service examine the conduct of its officers and to ensure that its training and procedures are both appropriate and followed. This will be done.

Addressing the concerns of the public and the deceased young man’s family is our highest priority. We will act as quickly as circumstances and the law allow.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today