The Quebec police watchdog’s chief mentioned that only one firearm was found at the location where a 15-year-old was fatally shot by a police officer on Sunday, which was the officer’s service weapon. Brigitte Bishop, who leads the oversight agency known as the BEI, assured the public of an impartial investigation into the death of Nooran Rezayi and urged cooperation with the investigators to provide accurate evidence without any alterations.
While Bishop refrained from disclosing specific evidence details obtained by investigators, she did reveal the discovery of ski masks, a baseball bat, and a backpack at the scene. Notably, only one firearm was retrieved, belonging to the officer involved in the shooting, indicating the absence of any other gun. The ownership of the baseball bat was not disclosed.
The BEI’s update provided on Tuesday marked a departure from its usual practice of offering limited initial information, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation before public disclosure. Following the incident, the police officer from Longueuil involved has been placed on leave for an indefinite period, as confirmed by the Longueuil police. The officer’s status will be reviewed based on the investigation findings shared by the BEI.
Initial reports indicated that Longueuil officers responded to a call reporting armed individuals wearing masks in a public area. Witnesses stated that the officers yelled at a group of teenagers before firing two shots, resulting in the death of the 15-year-old victim. Longueuil Police Chief Patrick Bélanger expressed solidarity with the grieving family and community members affected by the tragic event.
Family lawyer Fernando Belton highlighted concerns over the officer’s use of lethal force against an unarmed teenager, emphasizing the need for answers and justice. Belton commended the BEI’s transparency in providing updates and stressed the importance of keeping both the family and the public informed.
Described as a non-violent and gentle individual by family and friends, Nooran Rezayi was fatally shot despite reportedly carrying only school books in his bag. The BEI, responsible for investigating incidents involving injuries or fatalities during police operations, has increased its investigative team to 15 members and is examining seven videos of the incident alongside assistance from Montreal police.
