Van Strikes Pedestrians Along Busy Toronto Street

By: Laura Steiner:

A white van mounted a curb striking pedestrians in Toronto this afternoon shortly after 1:30 p.m. local time.  The area in northern edge of the city is located along Yonge St. between Finch Ave, and Shepard.

Ten people are dead, while others have been confirmed to have been taken to area hospitals.  Sunnybrook has locked down its Emergency Room, and is working to ensure there are beds available for the wounded.

The suspect has been identified as Alek Minassian, 25 years old of Richmond Hill Ontario.  Yonge St remains closed along that stretch while police continue their investigation, and is expected to remain shut down for sometime  Toronto Police have set up an tip line at: 1-416-808-8750.  Many of those in the area have cell-phone video of the incident; Toronto Police have set-up an online portal for upload all images related to this incident here. The motive for the attack remains unknown at this time

“Our city denounces this, and all acts of violence, and we are united in our grief over this devastating loss of life,” Toronto Mayor John Tory said in a statement.  Many victims remain unidentified.  Toronto Police are asking the public if they are missing anyone; they can call: 416-808-8085.  It has been a traumatic day for many in Toronto.  If residents are feeling distressed they can Victim Services at: 416-808-7066.

Update: 24/4/2018: First Victim Identified,  TTC and GO Transit changes

The first victim has been identified as Anne Marie D’Amico.  According to Global News, D’Amico worked at Invesco, an American investment management company with offices at 5140 Yonge St.  She went to Ryerson, and volunteered with the Rogers Cup.

The officer who made the arrest is being identified in media reports as  Toronto as  Constable Ken Lam.  Lam works in the area as a traffic cop, is said to be rattled by the attack.

The suspect, Alek Minassian has  first court appearance.  He has been charged with 10 counts of first degree murder, and 13 counts of attempted murder.   The next court appearance is May 10, 2018.

Yonge St. remains closed between Sheppard and Finch.  TTC says trains will bypass North York Centre Station today.  Go Transit asks commuters taking the 27 bus (Milton- Hwy 401 Service) travelling westbound to use VIVA Blue to Richmond Hill to connect to  GO Bus #40 to the Hamilton GO Centre.  Coming East, take VIVA Blue to Richmond Hill Centre, and then GO Bus #52 to Oshawa.  Watch their website for more service updates, or follow @GOtransitBus.

Flags have been lowered to half-mast at Halton District School Board (HDSB) buildings, Halton District Catholic Board (HDCSB), and the Town of Milton.

Update: 27/4/2018-   Fundraising Efforts Underway, Local Ceremony Planned

Fundraising efforts are underway for the victims of Monday’s van attack.  There are a few of them:

1)  The #TorontoStrong campaign is being organized by the City of Toronto in partnership with the Toronto Foundation; visit this website to donate.  They have reached $1.2 million (CDN) as of this morning.  Their goal is $2 million.

2) DawaNet is a group of Muslim charities including Canada Zakat, Islamic Relief Canada, Human Concern International, and ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America).  They have organized a GoFundMe campaign which has reached: $200,000 as of today.  To support their efforts click here.  They are the group who fundraised for victims in the Quebec City Mosque Attack.

3)GTA-Based T-shirt company Entripy is selling t-shirts with the #TorontoStrong hashtag and the city’s skyline on them.  The owner is donating all of the proceeds to support victims, and their families.  You can buy one here.

Milton Residents are invited to Victoria Park at 2 p.m. today for a ceremony honouring the victims of Monday’s attack hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim group.  Signs, and posters are welcome.