Political leaders and close friends report that a man who lost his life during a home invasion in Vaughan, Ont., over the weekend was shot while his children were present.
Abdul Aleem Farooqi was described by friends as someone devoted to faith, charity, and community. A friend referred to the 46-year-old husband and father of four as “noble.”
According to York Regional Police, the home invasion was planned, though few details have been shared about what happened and they have not confirmed a shooting took place.
In a statement on Sunday, police said they responded to reports of a home invasion at a house near Andreeta Drive and Barons Street shortly before 1 a. m. When officers arrived, they found a man with injuries. He was declared dead at the scene. The chief coroner’s officer later identified him.
The police are searching for at least three suspects wearing dark clothing and face coverings.
Friends of Farooqi expressed disbelief over his death, stating that family members told them he was shot in front of his children.
Ehsan Malik, a close friend who had known Farooqi for about 15 years, said he feels “devastated” and wishes this news were just a bad dream. He mentioned that Farooqi often went by Aleem.
“Aleem was like a brother. He wasn’t my biological brother, but if I had an issue I’d turn to Aleem before anyone else,” Malik said.
“Helping others came naturally to him. He always looked for ways to support people or contribute to the community.”
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A York Regional Police vehicle is shown here at the scene of a home invasion on the weekend. (Spencer Gallichan-Lowe/ )
An additional family friend, Wasib Dheendsa, stated that Farooqi worked for an air duct cleaning service called Unique Providers and had three daughters along with one son. He possessed an extraordinary talent for treating friends like family while encouraging everyone around him to reach their full potential.
“He truly represented what it means to be noble,” Dheendsa remarked. “He held very strong beliefs.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke about Farooqi during an unrelated news conference in Kitchener, Ont., saying that he considered him a friend who had intruders break into his home late at night.
Ford confirmed that Farooqi was shot dead in front of his kids.
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From left: Premier Doug Ford, Aleem Farooqi and Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce are pictured in a photo Farooqi posted on Facebook on Dec. 2, 2024, saying he was grateful to Ford for supporting small business owners and honoured to have discussed improving air quality in Ontario schools with Ford and Lecce. (Aleem Farooqi/Facebook)
“Just think about the trauma these kids will carry for their lives,” Ford expressed.
“I often say when talking about protecting your home: ‘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 added.
The Mayor of Vaughan Steven Del Duca shared his thoughts via social media on Tuesday after hearing from those close to the victim.
“The awful criminals who killed this man right in front of his wife and kids deserve swift justice,” Del Duca stated.
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A candlelight vigil held for Farooqi attracted many attendees in Vaughan on Monday night.
Stephen Lecce , MPP for King-Vaughan , also commented on this tragic event.
“This is something no family should ever endure,” Lecce wrote Monday on X.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the Farooqi family. I’ve met Abdul several times over recent years , remembering him as both dedicated family man as well as hardworking leader.”
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria voiced similar sentiments on X.
“This situation is absolutely heartbreaking,” Sarkaria expressed Tuesday. “No parent should ever have their child threatened with violence within their own home.”
Meanwhile , memorials are being set up near Farooqi’s residence. Hundreds gathered spontaneously on Monday evening for vigil honoring him. Police plan provide updates Wednesday.
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