Vaughan Dad Shot During Home Invasion

York Regional Police report that a husband and father of four was shot and killed inside his Vaughan home early Sunday morning in front of his children.

Officers responded to a call at a residence on Andreeta Drive near Major Mac Kenzie Drive and Highway 27 around 1 a. m. on Aug. 31. Upon arrival, they discovered 46-year-old Abdul Aleem Farooqi with life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

City News was the first to share that Farooqi lost his life in front of his kids during this violent home invasion.

“[One of the alleged intruders] got the daughters at gunpoint. He brought them upstairs. That is when [Farooqi] saw that the other intruder was having a physical interaction. He was just shot, right there,” said family friend Ehsan Malik. “As far as I know, he shot him twice.

“It was in front of his daughters. All three of his daughters the intruder was bringing upstairs at gunpoint. They locked his son in a bedroom, and his wife was trying to run away,” added Malik.

Authorities believe three male suspects, dressed in dark clothing with their faces covered, broke into the house before fleeing the area. No arrests have been made so far.

“At this time, it is believed this house was targeted for a robbery,” stated Paolo Fiore from York Regional Police’s homicide unit. “Monetary gain only. Mr. Farooqi wasn’t involved in any criminal activities. He was well-respected, a great family man, and loved by those around him.”

Police are asking neighbors to check their security cameras and reach out to investigators if they have any information.

“The motive is being established,” Fiore said. “We believe [the suspects] were in the house for a home invasion to take valuables.”

Vigil Held to Remember Vaughan Man

Police mentioned another home invasion occurred in York Region on that same morning of Aug. 31. Investigators are examining evidence to see if these two incidents are connected.

More than 200 people came together in Vaughan for a vigil on Monday night as news of this senseless killing continued to shake the community.

Friends told City News that Farooqi was an engaged husband and father who took an active role in his neighborhood.

“He was the most noble man,” said family friend Wasib Dheendsa. “Truly the embodiment, the full embodiment of that. As tragic as it was, we aren’t surprised that he went as a hero-man who protected his family until the very last moment.”

Vaughan community members gathered in Abdul Aleem Farooqi’s neighborhood on Monday, Sept. 1, one day after the 46-year-old man was fatally shot in an alleged targeted attack. Photo: City News.

“He was a man of faith, charity and community,” another family friend shared, noting that his passing has left loved ones devastated.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke about the situation during a press conference on Tuesday.

“This innocent man got his doors kicked in during the middle of night,” Premier Ford said. “And these scumbags shot him right in front of his kids.”

Victim’s Brother Talks with City News After Tragedy

Naeem Farooqi shared with City News that he had hosted his brother for dinner just hours before Aleem lost his life inside their Vaughan home.

“He spent the night before at my house. We had a family dinner, and he left late in evening. I now realize that it was last meal with family-the people he loved,” Naeem Farooqi said. “He left; I waved goodbye-and that’s all.”

The York Regional Police continue treating this incident as a targeted homicide but haven’t disclosed details regarding any possible motive yet.

“I just watched a school bus go by and unload a child; I wondered if my niece or nephew should have been on that bus [Tuesday]. Their lives have forever been impacted,” Naeem added.

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