The brother of a man who was shot and killed during a home invasion in Vaughan, Ont., called him “a hero who died defending his family.” He, along with the city’s mayor, is urging changes to Canada’s criminal justice system.
According to police, Abdul Aleem Farooqi, 46, succumbed to gunshot wounds after at least three male intruders broke into his home around 1 a. m. on August 31.
Police stated that the suspects took some cellphones from the residence and then escaped. Investigators believe this incident was motivated solely by “monetary gain.” They are also looking into another home invasion that occurred less than a kilometer away from Farooqi’s home on the same night to see if there’s any connection.
At a press conference alongside Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca, Naeem Farooqi described his brother as someone who “did anything for anyone” and “died the way he lived.”
“He was a hero. He was a family man. He loved his children immensely,” Naeem shared.
He recounted that his brother confronted the intruders during the break-in, with one suspect allegedly aiming a gun at Farooqi’s children before fatally shooting him. According to Naeem, their family witnessed the entire event.
“He did whatever he could. Three cowards came in and changed everything for our family that night,” he remarked.
“He woke up and did what any father would do: try to protect his family. I don’t know what he could have done differently.”
Naeem added: “When we lock our door, it’s our choice when we open it again in the morning. It’s not someone else’s.”
His remarks follow several reported homicides and home invasions in York Region and across Ontario recently, sparking demands for federal bail reform from both police and politicians.
Mayor Del Duca mentioned that Vaughan council and other local governments have heavily invested in crime prevention but have repeatedly called for adjustments to the criminal justice system. While he stated there’s no information yet regarding the three suspects involved in Farooqi’s death, he wouldn’t be surprised if they had previous criminal records or were out on bail.
“When our residents look at me as mayor and say, ‘What are you doing to fix this? What are you going to keep us safe?,’ it is one of the strongest feelings of powerlessness that I have,” said Del Duca.
“When the system makes it seem like there’s no consequence or repercussion, this is where we end up. That’s what has to end.”
Premier Doug Ford described Farooqi’s death as “heart wrenching.” At an unrelated press conference on Tuesday, he reiterated his call for Ottawa to address what he termed a “disaster right now in the justice system.”
“Innocent people are getting their doors kicked in by a bunch of thugs-murderers-and you go back to root cause,” Ford said. “It’s the weak Criminal Code that needs changing by the federal government.”
Naeem expressed that his family-especially his sister-in-law-is devastated and seeks justice.
“I’m lost for words about who controls this situation; who’s responsible; what’s being done,” said Naeem.
“Our family just wants to honor our brother’s memory, ensuring this doesn’t happen to any other family. Enough is enough.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first Sept. 3, 2025.
Rianna Lim and Vanessa Tiberio, The Canadian Press
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