5 years since the Danforth shooting, victims’ families continue to fight for gun control
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Posted July 21, 2023 3:14 pm.
Last Updated July 21, 2023 4:13 pm.
It will be five years ago Saturday that a gunman opened fire on the Danforth, taking two young lives and shattering countless more.
Two families that were forever impacted by the tragedy have been fighting for change ever since.
Claire Smith’s daughter Samantha was with a group of friends the night of July 22, 2018. When the gunman opened fire, she was shot in the hip.
One of the friends she was with, 18-year-old Reese Fallon, was killed.
“There’s still some anxiety, where she is in certain situations will trigger that angst,” explained Smith, “We’ll see how she deals with the anniversary, it’s never easy. She relives it in her mind.
Ten-year-old Julianna Kozis was also killed that night and 13 others were injured.
The shooter, who had a history of mental health issues, took his own life.
“What we’ve learned over five years is it’s something that we live with every day,” said Ken Price, Samantha’s father.
The handgun used that night was stolen from a gun shop in Saskatchewan. During the past five years, these parents have become outspoken gun control advocates.
Patrick McLeod’s daughter Skye was with Reese and Samantha, she escaped uninjured that night, but the mental toll has been difficult.
With the blessing of other families impacted and community members, McLeod, Price and Smith have helped push Bill C21 forward, the Federal Liberals gun control legislation.
It passed in the House in May but still has to go through the Senate.
“I’m shocked at how far we’ve been able to push it,” said McLeod, who is a retired police officer.
They also helped push through a national freeze on the sale, purchase and transfer of handguns that took effect in October 2022.
“You cannot transfer your handgun to anyone anymore, when you pass have to go back to the government for destruction,” explained McLeod. “Hopefully, in generations, no more handguns [will be] kicking around under beds.
They acknowledge illegal guns are a major source of shootings but believe Bill-C21 will make a difference and save lives.
“We’re not against guns, we’re just saying handguns and assault style rifles are the ones used in crimes most often do we really need to have all those guns in so many hands,” shared Price.
The group of parents continue to watch with dismay though when they hear of more shootings, like the fatal shooting in Leslieville two weeks ago that killed a mother of two, an innocent bystander who was simply walking to get lunch.
“We’re paying more attention, more keen attention,” said Price. “We feel terrible about what occurred.”
Two trees have been planted for Julianna and Reese in Withrow park, steps from the Danforth. That will also be the site of a vigil on the anniversary of shooting. Many family members are expected to attend here as they say it is a way to support each other.