Political leaders and close friends say a man who lost his life during a home invasion in Vaughan, Ont., on the weekend was killed in front of his children.
Abdul Aleem Farooqi was a man dedicated to his faith, charity, and community, according to those who knew him. One friend described the 46-year-old husband and father of four as “noble.”
York Regional Police state that the home invasion was intentional, but they have shared few details about what happened and have not confirmed whether there was a shooting involved.
In a news release on Sunday, police indicated they responded to a home on Andreeta Drive and Barons Street following reports of an invasion shortly before 1 a. m. When officers arrived, they found a man with serious injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The chief coroner’s officer later identified him.
Authorities mentioned they are searching for at least three suspects dressed in dark clothing with face coverings.
Farooqi’s close friends expressed disbelief over his death, stating that family members told them he was shot while his children were present.
Ehsan Malik, a family friend who had known Farooqi for around 15 years, said he is “devastated” and wishes this news were just a “nightmare” he could wake up from. He referred to Farooqi as Aleem.
“Aleem was like a brother to me. He wasn’t my blood brother, but when I had an issue I would turn to him before anyone else,” Malik shared.
“Charity ran through his veins. He constantly looked for ways to help others or give back to the community.”
![]()
A York Regional Police vehicle is shown here at the scene of a home invasion on the weekend. (Spencer Gallichan-Lowe/ )
Wasib Dheendsa, another family friend, noted that Farooqi worked for an air duct cleaning service called Unique Providers and had three daughters along with one son. He had an amazing ability to treat friends like family and always motivated people to be their best selves.
“Without any doubt in my mind, he truly represented what it means to be noble,” Dheendsa stated. “He had very strong faith.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford mentioned at an unrelated news conference in Kitchener, Ont., that Farooqi was his friend and that intruders kicked down the doors of his home late at night.
Ford confirmed that Farooqi was shot dead right in front of his kids.
“Just imagine.. the trauma these kids will carry with them for their entire lives,” Ford said.
“I have this saying regarding people defending their homes: ‘I’d rather be judged by 12 than carried by six.’ Sadly, my friend Aleem will be carried by six because he tried defending his family,” Ford remarked.
Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca released a statement on social media saying he has heard from many affected by this tragedy.
“The despicable criminals who took this man’s life right before his wife and kids need to be caught and face severe punishment,” Del Duca expressed in the statement.![]()
A candlelight vigil for Farooqi drew scores of people in Vaughan on Monday night. (Submitted by Wasib Dheendsa)
Source link
The incident also caught attention from Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan.
“This is an unimaginable nightmare for both the family and all neighbors,” Lecce commented on Monday via social media. “My deepest condolences go out to the Farooqi family. I met Abdul over recent years; I’ll remember him as a caring family man who worked hard.” Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria also shared thoughts online. “This situation is utterly heartbreaking and infuriating,” Sarkaria said Tuesday. No parent should ever endure the horror of someone aiming a gun at their child within their own home.” A small memorial has started forming near Farooqi’s residence as hundreds gathered for an impromptu vigil on Monday evening in remembrance of him. Police are expected to provide more information on Wednesday.Source link
