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Victims Of Violence Speak Out! - December 31, 2005

 
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Maurice
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 13, 2006 12:26 am    Post subject: Victims Of Violence Speak Out! - December 31, 2005 Reply with quote

Victims Of Violence Speak Out!


By Shane Murphy and Maurice Ali, Journalists



This was the only "placard" at the protest!


Downtown Toronto was the scene of a late night protest against gang violence. The trigger incident for this protest (December 30, 2005) was the multiple shootout on December 26, 2005 in downtown Toronto which left one 15 year girl dead and six injured. Flowers were placed at the site of the shootings and candles were lite to symbolize the tragedy.


The scene of the deadly shootings!

The shots broke out after a dispute at a local 'Foot Locker' retail outlet and appeared to be a result of a dispute between gangs.


Candles being lit at the candle lit vigil!

Most of the injured appeared to be innocent bystandards. One, a 15 year old girl, died as a result of her injuries as she crossed a street near the shootings.


Black Activist Dudley Laws was at the event!

The public outcry was large and calls to ban guns and toughen sentences were made by residents and politicians alike. At this night's protest was Black Activist Dudley Laws, who lead a small march to Dundas Square; the site of the larger gathering.


Just south of the location of the shootings was a larger vigil!

The larger meeting place had the usual assortment of speakers, some who commented directly to the recent shootings and others who took advantage of the event to present their own personal beefs. One such person was dressed as Santa Clause with Canadian flags telling all in a very loud voice that he was going to be the next mayor in Toronto!


The "self-proclaimed next mayor" of Toronto!


The man was soon escorted way from the gathering by police but was allowed to stay a safe distance away, we used the opportunity to take some pictures with the man as can be seen above and below.


Shane takes a picture with this colorful character!

Shane knew about the event and called me up to tell me about it and where and when. Because of that, he gets partial credit for this story; more importantly, he was actually at the location when the shooting occurred and here is his story:

Shane was shopping nearby at Gould and Yonge Street when he heard about eight shots fired. He said that the rapport of the shots seemed different indicating different guns being used. He figured if must have been a driveby but he and a friend did not stick around to have a look. Instead they took off toward Church Street to escape the confusion. Shane sees this as a tragic situation. He stated that even among criminals, there is a code of conduct that makes you keep your disputes away from the public eye.


Shane tell us his story of what happened at the shootings!

Crime is down in Toronto, but the gang violence makes the news and makes people think that crime is out of control in the city. This protest is the result of those fears. However, the political side of the event can not be overlooked with an election at the federal level being held in late January. Gang violence is a very messy business!
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