Police Chief Bill Blair read the following written statement to reporters in response to an officer-involved shooting that killed 18-year-old Sammy Yatim:
As you are all aware, late last Friday evening members of the Toronto Police Service responded to a radio call in the area of Dundas Street West and Bellwoods Avenue. Shortly thereafter, a young man was killed.
The scene was secured and the Special Investigations Unit was immediately notified. The Special Investigations Unit has invoked their mandate to conduct an investigation and all members of the Toronto Police Service will fully co-operate with the SIU in the conduct of their investigation.
I would like to begin by expressing my very sincere condolences to the family and friends of the young man that was killed. I have, this morning, asked Deputy Chief Mike Federico to reach out to the family of the deceased, to express our condolences and sympathy and to offer whatever support we are able to provide. As a father, I can only imagine their terrible grief and their need for answers. We will commit to doing our best to ensure that those answers are provided.
I would also like to speak to some of the concerns that have been raised with respect to this incident.
Like many members of the public, I have viewed the video of this incident. I am aware of the very serious concerns that the public has. I know that people are seeking answers as to what occurred, why it happened and if anything could have been done to prevent the tragic death of this young man. I am also seeking the answers to these important questions.
I want to assure all of the citizens of Toronto of our unwavering commitment to get the answers they seek.
The Special Investigations Unit has invoked their mandate and their investigation must take priority over all other inquiries. I am prevented by law from disclosing any information with respect to the incident, or the investigation. This regulation is aimed at maintaining the integrity of the investigation and I intend to uphold it. We will co-operate fully in the SIU’s investigation.
In addition, the law states that the Chief of Police must cause an investigation to be conducted forthwith into this incident, subject to the SIU’s lead role in investigating the matter. The purpose of the Chief’s investigation is to review the policies, procedures and training of the Service and to determine if those policies, procedures and training were followed. A thorough investigation into the conduct of all members of the Service involved in this incident will be conducted.
A full report on my review, actions taken and recommendations will be submitted to the Toronto Police Services Board within 30 days of being notified that the SIU has reported the results of their investigation to the Attorney General. That, too, is the law.
I am very aware that the public is very concerned about this tragic event. They have every right to be concerned. I recognize that there is a need for answers and that the public quite rightfully expects that this matter will be thoroughly investigated. I want to assure you that this will be done.
The public also has a right to demand that the Toronto Police Service examine the conduct of its officers and to ensure that its training and procedures are both appropriate and followed. This will be done.
Addressing the concerns of the public and the deceased young man’s family is our highest priority.We will act as quickly as circumstances and the law allow.
