four years after a nightmare played out on the danforth during a mass shooting, people are remembering the two lives lost and the 13 people injured. danforth families for safe communities (dfsc) held a vigil friday evening in withrow park where two trees continue to grow for 18-year-old reese fallon and 10-year-old julianna kozis.
they were killed july 22, 2018 when a gunman walked along danforth randomly shooting people.
the frightening incident injured 13 others – including an aspiring nurse who now continues her life in a wheelchair.
councillor paula fletcher, mayor john tory and danforth shooting victim danielle kane mark the second anniversary of the mass shooting on july 22, 2020.
handout
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city of toronto
“to recall anniversaries like these, is a grim activity. but it is necessary for those who can, to honour those we lost, to speak out and to try to convey to others what is at stake when gun violence visits itself in your community and your family.” said ken price, of dfsc.
his daughter samantha was injured during the shooting.
“she was lucky that in her injured state, she was able to scramble to safety in a nearby restaurant, where the doctor was among the patrons,” he said.
i want to thank the families, the community and government leaders for the work they have done in the wake of this tragedy to advocate for stronger gun laws. i will always support this advocacy and stand against gun violence anywhere in our city. pic.twitter.com/0eathb9wwl
according to the police report, the killer moved from logan ave. to bowden st., about four blocks, for about 10 minutes.
he took his own life as police closed in.
the horror has since united the community.
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salon owner julie daigle placed a “danforth strong” sign on the sidewalk outside her business near logan st. on friday.
julie daigle, owner blo danforth salon places a sign outside her shop friday to honour those killed and injured during a mass shooting on july 22, 2018.
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toronto sun/postmedia network
“we can’t forget about it. we can’t forget about them,” said daigle, owner of blo danforth.
she moved onto the street after the shooting but feels a connection to the community’s pain.
“even though i didn’t know them, i just cannot believe that such a senseless act would happen,” she said. “the contrast with the beauty of the community and this act of violence is just so stark.”
dfsc is hoping efforts to control guns advance.
price said years of advocacy “have been a learning experience, and at times a test of will and of patience.”
he said the families are awaiting the fate of bill c-21 in ottawa.
that bill proposes – among other measures – to prohibit and buy back assault-style rifles, freeze the number of handguns in the country, and restrict magazine capacity.
“it is imperfect, but if enacted and implemented, it is a far advance from where we were four years ago. and it largely will affect the supply side on gun control.”
but friday, their minds were on those lost and injured four years ago – and on those killed just days ago.
“this past weekend saw shootings at union station, at danforth and main, and on queen west,” said price. “gun violence absolutely should be a concern for all of us in toronto.”