Political leaders in Ontario and friends are mourning a man who lost his life during a home invasion in Vaughan over the weekend, reportedly in front of his children.
Abdul Aleem Farooqi, 46, a devoted husband and father of four, was known for his faith, charity, and community spirit. Friends have described him as “noble.”
According to York Regional Police, the home invasion was targeted; however, they haven’t shared many details about the incident or confirmed that a shooting took place.
On Sunday, police reported that they responded to a call regarding a home invasion in the vicinity of Andreeta Drive and Barons Street just before 1 a. m. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man with severe injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The chief coroner’s officer later confirmed his identity.
Authorities mentioned they are searching for at least three suspects dressed in dark clothing and face coverings.
A York Regional Police vehicle is shown here at the scene of a home invasion on the weekend. (Spencer Gallichan-Lowe/ )
Close friends of Farooqi expressed disbelief over his death, with those who spoke to CBC Toronto indicating that family members told them he was shot while his children were present.
Ehsan Malik, one of Farooqi’s close friends who knew him for around 15 years, said he feels “devastated” and wishes this news were just a “nightmare.” He noted that Farooqi went by Aleem.
“Aleem was like a brother to me. He wasn’t my biological brother but if I had an issue, I’d go to Aleem before I’d turn to my real brother,” Malik shared.
“Helping others came naturally to him. He always found ways to support people or uplift the community.”
Wasib Dheendsa, another family friend, mentioned that Farooqi worked for Unique Providers as an air duct cleaner and had three daughters along with one son. He had an exceptional way of treating friends like family and motivated everyone around him to become their best selves.
“Without question, he truly represented what it means to be noble,” Dheendsa stated. “He held very strong beliefs.”
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Left to right; Ontario Premier Doug Ford; Aleem Farooqi; Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce. Farooqi shared this photo on Facebook on Dec. 2; 2024; expressing gratitude towards Ford for supporting small business owners while also appreciating discussions about improving air quality in schools with Ford and Lecce. (Aleem Farooqi/Facebook)
Ontario Premier Doug Ford discussed this tragedy at an unrelated news conference in Kitchener Ont., stating that he considered Farooqi a friend whose intruders broke into his home late at night.
Ford confirmed that Farooqi was shot dead right before his kids’ eyes
“Just think about how traumatizing this will be for these kids throughout their lives,” said Ford.
“I often say when it comes to defending your home , ‘I would rather be judged by twelve than carried by six.’ Sadly , my friend Aleem is going to be carried by six because he tried protecting his family.”
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