The 46-year-old man who lost his life during a home invasion in Vaughan this past weekend is being honored as “a hero” and an “honest, God-fearing man who absolutely loved his community,” according to his brother.
York Regional Police confirmed on Wednesday that Abdul Aleem Farooqi died from gunshot injuries after at least three male suspects broke into his home around 1 a. m. on Sunday.
Farooqi’s brother, Naeem, spoke at a news conference alongside Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca, expressing his hope for systemic changes that would stop other families from going through what they are experiencing.
“My brother died as he lived. He was a hero,” said Naeem. “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.”
At a news conference updating the public on various recent violent incidents in York Region, Insp. Paolo Fiore mentioned that three suspects entered the house through the back door.
“When Farooqi confronted them, he was fatally shot,” he said.
WATCH | Police chief advises against confrontation in event of home invasion:
‘Don’t engage’ with perpetrators in case of home invasion, police warn
York Region police are advising residents to hide, run away or lock yourself in a room if someone breaks into your home. This comes after the tragic home invasion incident over the weekend in Vaughan.
Authorities indicated that the break-in was motivated by financial gain, but emphasized that Farooqi had no involvement in criminal activities whatsoever.
Political leaders and close friends told this week that Farooqi was shot and killed right in front of his children. He lived with his wife and their four kids at the residence, according to police.
Police confirmed on Wednesday that Farooqi succumbed to gunfire injuries at the scene but did not disclose whether his children witnessed what happened.
All suspects involved were described as masked men dressed in dark clothing.
According to police reports, the suspects took cellphones from three family members; two of those phones were later found nearby and collected by authorities before escaping the scene in a dark SUV.
Police also revealed they’re looking into another break-in occurring less than one kilometer from Farooqi’s residence on the same night while examining possible links between both cases. WATCH | YRP shared video of second home invasion that also took place Sunday:
‘Get out of here,’ says resident in attempted home invasion caught on cameraYork Regional Police released footage showing when three male suspects tried breaking into another house in Vaughan. No one got hurt during this incident. WARNING: This video contains audio some viewers might find disturbing.
York police chief demands bail reform following fatal home invasionYork Police continue advocating strongly towards provincial-wide revisions regarding existing laws around bails subsequent string incidents involving serious crimes including unfortunate loss lives due situations stemming once again over similar invasions.
In an email sent toward ; spokesperson representing Minister Justice Attorney General Canada Sean Fraser mentioned how Liberal government plans introducing legislation targeting violent organized crime explicitly coming fall season ahead since horrible passing father resulting aforementioned robbery brings heartache unacceptable-reminding everyone must feel secure inside their residences communities regardless where live.
“We work closely provinces territories ensure revise rules pertaining jail times offenders adequately restraining them street,” Jeremy Bellefeuille articulated via email.
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‘Don’t engage’ with perpetrators in case of home invasion, police warn
York Region police are advising residents to hide, run away or lock yourself in a room if someone breaks into your home. This comes after the tragic home invasion incident over the weekend in Vaughan.
Authorities indicated that the break-in was motivated by financial gain, but emphasized that Farooqi had no involvement in criminal activities whatsoever.
Political leaders and close friends told this week that Farooqi was shot and killed right in front of his children. He lived with his wife and their four kids at the residence, according to police.
Police confirmed on Wednesday that Farooqi succumbed to gunfire injuries at the scene but did not disclose whether his children witnessed what happened.
All suspects involved were described as masked men dressed in dark clothing.
According to police reports, the suspects took cellphones from three family members; two of those phones were later found nearby and collected by authorities before escaping the scene in a dark SUV.
Police Recommendations Contrast with Premier’s Remarks
Chief Jim Mac Sween urged people not to confront criminals during a home invasion “unless absolutely necessary,” emphasizing safety until help arrives. This stance contradicted comments made by Premier Doug Ford earlier this week. ‘I have a saying for folks defending their homes: “I’d rather be judged by 12 than carried by six,'” Ford stated during a news conference on Tuesday. “And unfortunately, my friend Aleem is going to be carried by six because he’s trying to defend his family.” When asked about Ford’s remarks, Mac Sween expressed no concerns but reiterated that it wasn’t York police’s recommendation. ‘The premier can make his own statements and decisions about that,’ he noted. ‘As it stands now, we believe complying is generally the best defense for most people.’ Mac Sween portrayed Farooqi as a devoted Muslim Canadian “who was cherished by his family and respected within his community.” Investigators indicated he owned and ran a furnace and duct cleaning business located in Mississauga.Police also revealed they’re looking into another break-in occurring less than one kilometer from Farooqi’s residence on the same night while examining possible links between both cases. WATCH | YRP shared video of second home invasion that also took place Sunday:
‘Get out of here,’ says resident in attempted home invasion caught on cameraYork Regional Police released footage showing when three male suspects tried breaking into another house in Vaughan. No one got hurt during this incident. WARNING: This video contains audio some viewers might find disturbing.
Mayor Calls for Changes within Criminal Justice System
Del Duca , mayor of Vaughan , talked with reporters Wednesday afternoon , highlighting there’s “a revolving door of criminals who get arrested only to be back out on bail sometimes within hours just so they can reoffend.” He stressed how crucial it is for reform within Canada’s criminal justice system. His statements come after multiple alleged homicides along with home invasions happening throughout York Region province over recent days prompting calls towards federal bail reforms issued directly from both law enforcement officials plus local political leaders like himself. When questioned why he sought bail reform specifically following such occurrence even though identities surrounding these particular offenders remain unknown at present time ; Del Duca replied : ” We don’t know who these three individuals are yet; however based upon everything I’ve observed thus far there exists substantial reason suggesting they likely possess prior criminal backgrounds-and It wouldn’t surprise me if we later discover related circumstances concerning bail status. “WATCH | York police chief insists on need for bail reform following fatal break-in:
York police chief demands bail reform following fatal home invasionYork Police continue advocating strongly towards provincial-wide revisions regarding existing laws around bails subsequent string incidents involving serious crimes including unfortunate loss lives due situations stemming once again over similar invasions.
In an email sent toward ; spokesperson representing Minister Justice Attorney General Canada Sean Fraser mentioned how Liberal government plans introducing legislation targeting violent organized crime explicitly coming fall season ahead since horrible passing father resulting aforementioned robbery brings heartache unacceptable-reminding everyone must feel secure inside their residences communities regardless where live.“We work closely provinces territories ensure revise rules pertaining jail times offenders adequately restraining them street,” Jeremy Bellefeuille articulated via email.
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