Quebec's Police Watchdog Launches Investigation into Fatal Shooting of 15-Year-Old Boy by Officers
A 15-year-old boy, Nooran Rezayi, was shot dead by police in Longueuil, Quebec, on Tuesday, prompting an investigation by the province's police watchdog. According to eyewitnesses, officers opened fire within seconds of arriving at the scene after responding to a report of masked teens allegedly armed with weapons.
The only weapon recovered from the scene belonged to the police, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. "We will investigate this incident thoroughly and transparently," said Brigitte Bishop, director of Quebec's office of independent investigations, in a rare news conference on Tuesday. "Our investigation will focus on determining whether the use of force was justified."
According to residents who witnessed the incident, police responded quickly to the report of masked teens. However, it appears that the officers' response may have been premature. "The police opened fire within seconds," said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "It was like they were waiting for an opportunity to shoot."
Quebec's police watchdog has launched a comprehensive investigation into the fatal shooting, which will examine the actions of the officers involved and determine whether their use of force was justified. The investigation is expected to take several weeks to complete.
The incident has sparked concerns about police accountability in Quebec. "This is a tragic reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability in policing," said a spokesperson for the Quebec Civil Liberties Association. "We will be monitoring the investigation closely and advocating for reforms to ensure that such incidents do not happen again."
In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of police violence against civilians in Quebec. In 2020, a report by the province's ombudsman found that police had used excessive force in several instances, leading to calls for greater accountability and training.
The investigation into Nooran Rezayi's death is ongoing, with the police watchdog expected to release its findings in the coming weeks. The incident has left many in the community reeling, with some calling for greater transparency and accountability from law enforcement.
"We will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served," said Bishop. "We owe it to the family of Nooran Rezayi and to the community to get to the bottom of this tragic incident."
This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.