Family Sues Longueuil Police Over Teen’s Fatal Shooting
The family of Nooran Rezayi, a 15-year-old who was fatally shot by Longueuil police in Quebec, is taking legal action against the police department. The shooting occurred on September 21, when an officer responded to a 911 call reporting a group of armed individuals in the neighborhood. According to family statements, Nooran was unarmed at the time of the incident.
Family’s Legal Claim Against Longueuil Police
The Rezayi family is seeking approximately $2.2 million in damages from the City of Longueuil and its police force. Family representatives described the force used against Nooran as unreasonable and disproportionate. “We want justice,” stated Fahima Rezayi, the teen’s mother, emphasizing that accountability is crucial to prevent future tragedies.
Incident Details and Evidence
Initially, the family released videos purportedly showing the moments leading up to the shooting. In these recordings, Nooran is seen sitting on a curb before police arrived in a vehicle, with tires screeching. Witnesses reported hearing an officer shout commands before gunfire erupted, leaving everyone shocked.
- Incident Date: September 21
- Location: Longueuil, Quebec
- Legal Claim Amount: $2.2 million
Fernardo Belton, a family attorney, noted that the videos provide crucial context. However, they do not capture the actual shooting. The time between commands given by police and the gunfire was about three seconds, which raises questions about the officers’ response time.
Official Investigation and Public Reaction
The shooting has drawn significant public attention and outrage. The Quebec government is considering a public coroner’s inquiry into Nooran’s death. Meanwhile, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) is overseeing the investigation, which is now in its third month.
BEI confirmed that Nooran was unarmed, with only a baseball bat recovered from the scene. A firearm was found, but it belonged to the police officer who shot him. Additionally, the family has criticized how information surrounding the 911 call, which described individuals with weapons, was disseminated. They argue that the information may have been leaked to sway public opinion negatively against the teens.
Concerns About Accountability
Family members expressed fears that the BEI’s investigation may not yield justice. Historically, the agency has a low rate of charges resulting from its inquiries. Since its establishment in 2016, it has conducted over 450 investigations involving police-related incidents, with only a handful leading to criminal charges.
Calls for transparency and accountability are growing louder, highlighting the need for reforms in how police conduct is monitored and investigated following such tragic events.
