Teen Arrested for Threats After Fatal Police Shooting of Nooran Rezayi in Longueuil
A 15-year-old has been arrested by Longueuil police for allegedly making threats against officers following the fatal police shooting of 15-year-old Nooran Rezayi on Sunday, September 21st. The incident has sparked tension and calls for calm as investigations continue.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
The Service de police de l'agglomération de Longueuil (SPAL) announced the arrest on Thursday, stating that the suspect, also 15, was released with conditions. This arrest follows the launch of an investigation into threats made against the police force in the wake of Rezayi's death. According to police, at least one officer has been granted special protection due to online threats targeting him and his family. Security measures have been increased to protect other officers as well.
The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), Quebec's police watchdog, is investigating the shooting. They reported that the only firearm seized at the scene belonged to the officer involved. Other items seized included a baseball bat, ski masks, and a backpack. The officer who shot Rezayi is currently on leave.
Community Response and Calls for Calm
Longueuil police have urged the public to remain calm, emphasizing that any form of threat or intimidation against its members is taken very seriously. "In the current context, we appeal for calm and collective responsibility," the police stated, while also acknowledging the ongoing investigation by the BEI and encouraging the public to allow due process to unfold.
Nooran Rezayi's funeral was held on Thursday in Brossard, drawing a large crowd of mourners. A march and vigil are planned for Saturday in the St-Hubert borough of Longueuil, near where the shooting occurred. Organizers are calling for a peaceful event to honor Rezayi's memory and demand justice.
Concerns About Transparency and Investigation
The BEI's investigation has faced scrutiny, with concerns raised about its transparency and independence. The Ligue des droits et libertés, a Montreal-based civil liberties organization, suggested that people are seeking information due to the watchdog's perceived lack of transparency. They have criticized the BEI for being too close to police and secretive.
Brigitte Bishop, director of the BEI, has defended her organization's mission, insisting that it is committed to shedding light on the events surrounding the shooting. The Montreal police force is also conducting a parallel criminal investigation.
Family's Questions and Demands for Answers
Rezayi's family is seeking answers about the circumstances of his death and the delay in informing them of his injuries. Their lawyer, Fernando Belton, stated that the family was only notified of Rezayi's death nearly five hours after the shooting. The investigation continues as the community grapples with the tragic events.
