In a statement released late Monday afternoon, the Ontario Special Investigations Unit reported that the alleged killer of the 29-year-old Toronto man, Faisal Hussain. The identity of the suspect was confirmed by a representative of his family contacted by the investigators, the unit said.
Faisal Hussain's family claimed to be "devastated" by the shooting. "Our son had significant mental health issues. He fought psychosis and depression all his life. The intervention of professionals has not been successful. Medications and therapy did not cure him, "said the family in a statement relayed by several media.
"We never imagined that [his life] would end in this destructive and devastating way," the family added. Our hearts are shattered for the victims and for our city as we all face this terrible tragedy. We will cry the dead for the rest of our lives. "
Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders had previously refused to disclose the suspect's identity or advance on his motives. "It's really too early to dismiss anything. It does not serve justice, "he said in a press conference.
The two victims are from the Toronto area. The 18-year-old is called Reese Fallon, according to local media. She planned to continue her education in nursing at McMaster University, according to Global News. The identity of the girl who was shot was not provided by the authorities.
A search warrant was requested to search the suspect's home. An autopsy will be performed on the assailant Tuesday morning.
The shooter on foot seems to have targeted people at random with a handgun.
The shots were fired in the middle of the street at around 10 pm near the intersection of Danforth and Logan Avenues in the Greek Quarter of the Queen City. Pedestrians and people in restaurants were targeted a few blocks away.
"A man walking on Danforth Avenue fired on groups of people several times. Officers located the man on Bowden Street and an exchange of fire took place. The man fled and was found dead on Danforth Avenue, "the Ontario Special Investigations Unit said in a statement Monday morning. It was unclear whether the gunman was killed by the police or whether he committed suicide with his handgun that was recovered by the authorities.
Witnesses say they heard 10 to 20 shots.
Of the seven men and six wounded women, some have been so badly affected that their lives will never be the same, the police said on Monday. Five of the wounded were still in a very serious condition on Monday.
An investigation was initiated by the Toronto Police Homicide Investigation Unit. Their work is complex because there are several crime scenes spread over hundreds of meters.
In black
The suspect was dressed in black, according to witnesses. From surveillance camera footage, he seemed comfortable with his handgun.
"We see that this individual is able to manipulate weapons. It's striking to see how he uses his weapon, how his body will work with the weapon. These are things that are learned. It's someone who went to a shooting range, or someone who was trained to handle weapons. You have to look at this track, it's not trivial. You really have to find the motivations, "explained the former Sûreté du Québec officer Paul Laurier at LCN.
Fire arms
Ontario's capital is undermined by gun attacks. According to the Toronto police, more incidents involving shooting have been recorded since the beginning of the year. More than 200 shootings have taken place since January, while there were only 177 in 2014, 288 in 2015, 407 in 2016 and 395 in 2017.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded on his Twitter account: "I am wholeheartedly with the victims and their loved ones about the horrific act of violence in Toronto. Thanks to all the first responders for acting quickly to help everyone affected. "
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also reacted Monday morning: "My thoughts are with those affected by the tragedy that took place last night on Danforth Avenue. I wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. Torontonians are strong, resilient and courageous, and we will support them in this difficult time. "
