Devastated community will want answers after mass shooting, Vaughan mayor says

Torontosun.com
Dec. 20, 2022
Antonella Artuso

The mass shooting at a condo complex that claimed six lives including the alleged gunman has been devastating for the close-knit community, Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca says.

People are already reaching out, wanting to know how they can help the families of the victims and other people living in the complex on Jane St. and Rutherford Rd., he said.

“And I think beyond that people will want answers,” Del Duca said Monday. “I think people are going to want a better handle on how did this happen, what happened, why did it happen and it’s going to take some time for us to heal.”

Describing Vaughan as one of the country’s largest small towns, Del Duca said people tend to know each other and talk freely in the community.

“What would have driven an individual to take matters into their own hands this way, were there breakdowns in the process, were there other issues affecting this particular individual,” Del Duca. “Just lots of issues that will need to be addressed. And I’m pretty sure York Region Police, they know that.”

The mayor is urging people to avoid speculating on social media in a way that could spread misinformation and further hurt the families.

Del Duca has requested the flags at City of Vaughan facilities be lowered to half-mast in memory of the victims.

Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce, who represents the provincial riding of Vaughan, said he has had family members live in the Jane St. condo complex and has frequently visited for holiday parties.

“It’s a really nice community, very good people, a lot of seniors, just a lot of good people that live there so it’s just tragic as it would be in any community,” Lecce said. “But in Vaughan, far too often, I think many families are seeing these senseless attacks and I think we all resolve to confront and counter the rise of violence in our communities … something the province is very much committed to doing.”

Premier Doug Ford said in a tweet, “I’m shocked and saddened by the tragic shooting in Vaughan last night. All of Ontario is thinking of the victims of this senseless violence and the family and friends grieving their loss. Thank you to our first responders for bravely being on scene.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted a message, “To the families and friends of the victims of yesterday’s shooting in Vaughan: I’m keeping you in my thoughts. To the person who was injured: I’m wishing you a fast and full recovery. And to the first responders: Thank you for your hard work and your professionalism.”