Teen Fatally Shot by Police in Longueuil, Quebec: Investigation Underway
A 15-year-old boy, identified as Nooran Rezay, was fatally shot by Longueuil police on Sunday afternoon, prompting an investigation by Quebec's police watchdog, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI). The incident occurred in a residential area of Longueuil, a suburb of Montreal, and has sparked sadness and anger within the community.
Details of the Shooting
According to the BEI, police received a 911 call around 2:48 p.m. reporting a group of allegedly armed individuals in a public area. Officers arrived at the scene, near the intersection of Joseph-Daigneault and Monaco streets, approximately ten minutes later and "entered into contact with the group." The BEI stated that "during the intervention, one person was hit by a shot fired by police." The agency is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Witnesses reported seeing a group of teenagers, some dressed in black and wearing masks, walking through the neighborhood shortly before the incident. One witness stated that the group said they were preparing to film a video in a nearby wooded area. Shortly after, shots were fired.
Community Reaction and Investigation
Nooran Rezay's father, Sharif Rezay, expressed his grief and called for justice, describing his son as a loving and gentle boy. He mentioned that Nooran had told him he was going to play soccer with friends earlier that day. Family and friends emphasized that Nooran was not violent and was carrying his school bag with books at the time of the shooting.
The BEI has assigned five investigators, assisted by Montreal police (SPVM), to the case. The agency is asking any witnesses to come forward. The Marie-Victorin School Service Centre, which oversees André-Laurendeau Secondary School where Nooran was a student, has confirmed his death and is offering psychosocial support to students and staff.
Witness Accounts
Johnny Inthisone, a witness who lives near the scene, stated that police shot the teenager "far too quickly," with minimal interaction before firing two bullets. Inthisone reported hearing police shout "stop" twice before the shooting occurred. He recounted that the youth appeared surprised and asked "why, why did you shoot me" after being hit. Another witness, Alexandre Girard, reported hearing two loud cracks and seeing police officers performing CPR on a person lying on the ground.
Official Statements and Ongoing Inquiries
Longueuil police have stated that they are cooperating with the BEI investigation and will not be making further comments. The coroner's office is also investigating the incident. The BEI has a mandate to investigate incidents where individuals are injured or killed during police interventions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
