Monday Toronto Tragedy

source: Roland Shainidze Photogaphy

I grow up exactly in the area which is known as North York where the Monday afternoon massacre took place by a 25 year old man that jumped the curb on a warm sunny day and drove full speed down the sidewalk for 16 long blocks mowing down everyone in sight. He veered off only once to hit a male walking across an intersection on a light. Then got right back on the sidewalk to complete his mission at hand (they do not have a motive as yet). He was eventually taken down by a Toronto Police Officer without incident on either's part. The Officer risked his own life to take down the man without gunfire even through he was yelling for the Officer to shot him in the head and drawing up his cellphone with the pretense that he had a gun. But the Officer used his training to the tee and patiently approached and finally the man throw down his cellphone and dropped to his knees. At this point other Officers had arrived to aid the original Officer. This was not an act of a terrorist it was the act of a lone man with mental issues that had surfaced years before. He left our usually safe, but bustling street looking like a bloody battlefield with shoes, hats, purses etc all amongst the bodies. He killed 10 and 16 are in critical condition in a trauma centre in Toronto. The victims where from the ages 20's - 94. The 94 year old grandmother that lost her battle yesterday which I believe would bring up the fatalities up to 11.

I do not want to focus on the devastation this brutal act has caused our beloved Toronto or showing gruesome pictures of the screen. I want to commend Torontonians for their bond with one another always but especially in times of need and sorrow. Over the last few days a memorium has been set up at the scene people of all races, colors, religion and creed have come to show their support to families of those effected by this short moment of time (can you imagine from the start of his rampage until he was taken down was a mere 30 minutes). There is bristol board after bristol board filled with hand written messages of hope and encouragement. Abundance upon abundance of flowers. Everyone is hugging and crying and loving each other. We are all brothers and sisters. We are all God's children. I am so proud to be a Canadian a resident of Toronto we certainly demonstrate a strong unity, unconditional love, respect of others and strength. Even the Police Officer who has been deemed a Hero does not want that title as he said it was a team effort of all Service...Police, EMS , Fire, Transit and even pedestrian came to the aid of the injured administer CPR where possible or just holding a hand to ease the fear and shock.

This post is my dedication to Toronto.

<** In The Wake of Tragedy, #TorontoTheGood Is A Reminder Of The City’s Kind Heart**>

source: thestar
Outside of Secret Garden Floral & Gift Boutique, just north of Finch, free flowers are set out on the sidewalk. Co-owner Katherine Liu tell me the free flowers are a way to help “the world feel better.” @TorontoStar

On Monday afternoon, Toronto was devastated when a van was intentionally driven down a busy Yonge street sidewalk, killing 10 people and injuring 16 others. While this horrific tragedy shook the city to the core, people soon began posting on Twitter using the hashtag #TorontoTheGood to share random acts of kindness they have witnessed or experienced — to show that this one act does not define the character of the city.

In an Instagram post, Suits actor Gabriel Macht wrote, “What started out as the most beautiful day of the year ended with a callous act that saddened all of us who walk these streets. My heart goes out to the victims and their families and friends. I stand with you against hate. May the memories of the fallen be a blessing to this kind city.”
www.chfi.ca

source: thestar.com/news/gta