After a rental van driven by 25-year-old suspect Alek Minassian, killed 10 innocent pedestrians and injured 15 others in Toronto on Monday, BC first responders are showing their support, not only for their colleagues who were called to the horrific scene, but for all affected by the tragedy in the city.
Our thoughts are with #Toronto after the tragedy today. We want to acknowledge the bravery & skill of our colleagues: @TorontoPolice who apprehended the suspect, @Toronto_Fire & @TorontoMedics who assisted the victims & provided aid in the midst of chaos. #VPD #TorontoStrong pic.twitter.com/QiNyVjtriI
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) April 24, 2018
Our entire department is sending our support to the victims’ families and first responders after this horrible tragedy. #TorontoStrong https://t.co/sgL69LItGp
— Transit Police BC (@TransitPolice) April 23, 2018
Our hearts are with the people of Toronto & the 1st responders who rushed to help today. #TorontoStrong @TorontoPolice
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) April 24, 2018
NWPD members are sending our thoughts to all those affected by the senseless tragedy in Toronto. We stand strong with the first responders and our @TorontoPolice brothers and sisters. #TorontoStrong pic.twitter.com/oiIctTVMDm
— New West Police (@NewWestPD) April 23, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, loved ones and all those affected by today’s incident. Thank you to the first responders for your unwavering commitment to public safety. #TorontoStrong – Commissioner Lucki
— RCMP (@rcmpgrcpolice) April 23, 2018
Our thoughts are with the victims, families and all those affected by the tragedy today in #Toronto. Thank you to all the first responders and many bystanders who bravely helped those in need. @TorontoMedics, @TorontoPolice @Toronto_Fire you have our support! #TorontoStrong
— A. Paramedics Of BC (@apbc873) April 24, 2018
Our thoughts are with all those affected by yesterday’s tragedy in #Toronto. To our @TorontoPolice family, our thought are with you too. You ran towards the danger and arrested the suspect – very brave and courageous! #TorontoStrong pic.twitter.com/8rC1ANAf1f
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) April 24, 2018
Our deepest condolences to the victims of today’s horrific incident in #Toronto. #nowords
— Port Moody Police (@PortMoodyPD) April 24, 2018
Thoughts and prayers to all victims, families, friends, first responders and all affected by tragedy in #TorontoStrong. @Toronto_Fire @TPFFA @TorontoPolice @IAFF323 @CityofBurnaby
— Burnaby Fire (@BurnabyFireDept) April 24, 2018
The @deltapolice are standing with the @TorontoPolice and the entire Toronto community as they come to terms with this senseless tragedy #torontostrong #thoughtsandprayers pic.twitter.com/VIuzRD1khU
— Neil Dubord (@ChiefNeilDubord) April 24, 2018
Our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families & all those impacted by the tragic incident in Toronto today. #torontostrong
— CQ RCMP (@cqrcmp) April 24, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of #Toronto after yesterday’s tragedy. Courageous work by #firstresponders including @Toronto_Fire, @TorontoPolice, @TorontoMedics, @TorontoComms, @TPFFA. #TorontoStrong #TorontoAttacks #TorontoTheGood pic.twitter.com/Tn9Yx31Wne
— Van Fire Fighters (@IAFF18) April 24, 2018
Premier offers condolences
In a statement, BC Premier John Horgan also offered his support and condolences to the victims, their families and Toronto first responders.
“British Columbians are shocked and saddened by this violent and senseless act,” he said. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the people of Toronto. We are grateful to the first responders who were there to help.”
Crowdfunding campaign launched
A crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe set up by Canada Zakat (the organization which helped distribute over $800,000 for victims and families of last year’s mosque shooting in Quebec) has already raised $38,459 of its $1 million goal in its first 16 hours.
The aim is to raise funds for funeral expenses for the victims who lost their lives while the organization is also “exploring other ways of assisting those affected.”
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims of today’s tragedy. You are in our thoughts and prayers!” reads the campaign page.
Another campaign, Toronto Strong, has also raised $1,279 of its $100,000 goal that’s also intended to fund funeral expenses.
– With files from Ainsley Smith