Toronto & GTA
York Regional Police think the well-respected Abdul Aleem Farooqi was killed while trying to protect his family from three armed intruders
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Sep 01, 2025 • Last updated Sep 01, 2025 •
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Abdul Aleem Farooqi, 46, lost his life while attempting to shield his family from robbers who broke into their Vaughan home looking for valuables. (Instagram)
A father of three was shot and killed in his own “castle” in Vaughan while trying to “protect his family” from armed invaders.
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Early Sunday morning, police believe Abdul Aleem Farooqi, 46, was simply asleep at home with his wife and three kids when armed robbers broke in demanding valuables.
What happened next is under investigation by York Regional Police. What did occur is horrifying for an innocent family who were minding their own business on the last long weekend of summer 2025.
“He was shot while trying to protect his four-year-old daughter who had a gun pointed at her,” said one of his employees at his business.
The situation here is pure evil.
This is unacceptable for everyone across Canada who are already dealing with serious issues surrounding violent criminals-many out on bail or under court conditions-who seem indifferent toward others’ safety as they invade people’s homes without hesitation.Murder victim Abdul Aleem Farooqi is pictured with Premier Doug Ford (L) and Energy Minister Stephen Lecce.
This could have been anyone. This time it was the Farooqi family.
“On Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, shortly before 1 a. m., officers attended a residence in the area of Andreeta Dr. and Barons St. for a report of a home invasion,” said a news release from York Regional Police. “Upon arrival, a male was located inside suffering trauma to his body. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
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No confirmation has been made regarding how many shots were fired during this incident.
The release stated “this is being treated as a targeted incident,” but police sources clarified to that this meant it was a home specifically chosen for robbery purposes-not that they had any specific intent against this victim personally. P
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The police are exploring whether “this man was murdered while attempting to defend his family.”P<Said an employee: "He was such a great person; it's shocking for everyone involved." Aleem really cared about being there for his kids-everyone's feeling devastated right now."</B A photo taken last year shows Aleem alongside Premier Doug Ford as well as Energy Minister Stephen Lecce.
A public viewing will take place Monday at his mosque followed by burial arrangements over coming days. This week has been particularly busy for York Regional Police which investigated its third shooting incident just five days-this latest occurring in Markham where someone suffered serious injuries needing hospitalization due.
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua!Your midday sun issue arrives soon! We faced some trouble signing you up; please try again later!This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Shooting 9:00 AM Ashgrove Rd / Hepburn St – Markham Policemen arrived following reports regarding gunfire within residential locations nearby! One individual required immediate medical attention after sustaining severe harm! Expect heavy patrol presence here now as four individuals remain detained; No pressing danger remains posed towards public safety… pic. twitter. com/P8y5k4vf C5 -York Regional Police (@YRP) September1st, 2025.
This hasn’t loaded yet either, but keep reading! Times remain troubling throughout York Region right now given all these shootings reported recently! But seeing one parent shot dead before their children raises urgent concerns regarding what’s going wrong lately within Canadian society? Former officer Ron Chhinzer noted such crimes should outrage citizens everywhere deeply saying it’s unacceptable behavior altogether! “If info received proves accurate related here then Canadians must express extreme outrage,” he remarked via social media platform X stating these victims clearly deserve justice! Debate over laws allowing self-defense rights may heat up following events like these even prompting Premier Doug Ford himself advocating potential law changes soon enough too.” Last month alone we saw incidents unfold elsewhere such as Lindsay where offenders assaulted people breaking into homes bearing crossbows requiring forceful responses leading outcomes whereby victims survived whereas sadly those among us facing similar fates weren’t so lucky.” It’s truly heartbreaking knowing wives plus young children left behind mourning loss felt immensely affecting both families hurt plus greater community itself.” Farooqi stood out being respected figure within Vaughan’s Muslim population carrying immense significance locally according sources confirming first-hand knowledge surrounding him enhancing good relations throughout area!” Additionally police are investigating claims surfacing online alleging handguns aimed directly targeting young girls led actions driving fathers instincts towards defending loved ones consequently resulting tragic fatalities!” Constable James Dickson mentioned current assumptions relying heavily indicating prior selection based primarily around robbery aims rather than personal vendettas existing between attackers versus targeted households.” No direct affiliations remain verified thereby making overall nature despicable indicating cold-blooded murder took place unfortunately occurring far too common amongst citizens living peacefully unable feel secure anymore!” Investigation team seeks input reporting uncommunicated eyewitness accounts alongside accessible surveillance footage guiding further inquiries continuing ongoing examinations issued earlier recently detailed statements released accordingly issuing formal request directed involved parties reach out subsequently collect critical information sought!” Citizens encouraged supplying tips reaching law enforcement directly contacting numbers listed herein!” (Please call: +1-866-876-5423 Ext #7865). Alternatively consider sending emails reaching Homicide Unit anytime found through provided mail routes available.) Anonymous tips possible via Crime Stoppers utilizing aforementioned service channels too!) #8 Yet another instance proving need present understanding awareness created ultimately seeking solutions ensuring safety restored reflecting way forward confronting alarming conditions maintained routinely witnessed today!” Three suspects donning dark attire plus face coverings escaped rapidly once crime unfolded leading detectives constantly working diligently aiming connect dots clarify situations evolving over time…” Regrettably this marks second significant occurrence only recently observed throughout regions witnessing troubling rise amidst growing trends manifesting often involving similar instances transpiring whereby officials noted unfortunate cases striking down within certain areas consecutively marking urgency crucial discussions addressing practical measures pending implementation supporting communities affected drastically needing answers currently provided more urgently!” “The early stages point strongly indicate no relationship exists linking both distinct incidences connected mainly along lines tied exclusively criminal activities posed largely impact lives disrupted undesirably recent weeks triggering questions arise requiring resolution alike!” Victim Identified Appeal Witnesses toward Investigation concerning Vaughan Homicide Incident Linked” -August27th @2:36 PM unit responding handled matters unfolding general vicinity Langstaff Road/Jane Street discovering casualty evident signs traumas inflicted responsible results eventually deemed fatal eventually occurring finding individuals pronounced dead promptly discovered later identified revealed thereafter thorough inspections performed thoroughly conducted immediately afterward concluded collectively held respective findings.” Both acts signify heinous transgressions inflicting harm upon humans unjustly impacted amid circumstances taking shape lacking accountability presently observed ensue thus driving populace increasingly aware realities confronting them painfully depicted via emerging narratives driven across platforms expressing collective frustrations mounting against perpetrators prevailing continuously despite ongoing discourse progressing albeit insufficient basis deriving efficiency sparking calls widespread reform promoting betterment standpoints necessitating reforms highlighted greatly moving forward providing safeguards put forth beyond conventional frameworks deployed typically seen enforced previously highlighting necessity reevaluate protections adequately met ensuring equitable treatment rendered deserving all parties equally! Final note urging authorities investigate very seriously upcoming reports flooding social networks portraying disturbing images surfacing requests issuing replies emphasizing mutual aid contributions solicited forthwith activating collaborations boosting preventive strategies established transforming dialogues nurturing restorative approaches designed ease tensions burdening relationships built yesterday still standing strong through adversity shining brightly revealing hope illuminated shared visions combined energized goodwill paramount showcasing togetherness always mattered greatly impacting fundamental aspects everyday existence valued firmly resonating harmoniously integrating efforts produced positively enrich lives foster thriving environments cultivate growth opportunities manifest realities deserving utmost respect extended accordingly bestowed therein forging brighter paths enriched future generations envisioned promisingly awaiting realization forthcoming! Read MoreToronto man found fatally shot at commercial premise within VaughanWARMINGTON presents alarming revelation surrounding case involving sleeping man suspected defending himself against invasive attacks receiving charges pressed thereafter borne witness unfolding scenarios evolving changing perspectives shifting consideration drive narratives exploring complexities layered struggles arising stemming difficult situations confronting masses faced searching meaningful resolutions emerged fostering developmental pathways forged steps progress redirect outcomes garnered focus restoring balance prioritized restoring civility previously represented consistently over years emphasizing importance engaging collaboratively effectuate positive shifts initiated spontaneously began groundswell advocacy formation arising moment requires alertness present furnished clarity utilized initiative require uplifting spirit oriented forward looking achieving sustainable endpoints reached peace attained effortlessly together united bonded solidifying strength character representing resilience humankind shown facing challenges fought back vigorously enduring trials enabling hopeful outlook emanated light bridging divides encompassed hearts pooling energy expanding realms possibilities unveiled propelling souls ever higher destinies pursued determined relentlessly onward!” Share this article within social network:/script>