Quebec's police watchdog has launched an investigation into the death of a 15-year-old boy shot by officers in Longueuil, east of Montreal. Brigitte Bishop, director of the province's office of independent investigations, confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday that the only weapon recovered from the scene belonged to the police.
The incident occurred on Sunday after police received a report of masked teens allegedly armed. Officers arrived shortly before 3pm and, according to eyewitnesses, shouted “stop” twice before opening fire. Resident Johnny Inthisone told CBC News that the shooting unfolded within seconds of the warning.
The victim, Nooran Rezayi, was struck by at least one bullet and pronounced dead at hospital despite efforts to revive him. Bishop said investigators retrieved a baseball bat and ski masks at the scene but declined further details. Five officers have been assigned to the case.
Rezayi's family, who immigrated from Afghanistan, expressed grief and frustration. His mother, Fahima, told the Montreal Gazette: “I love my son. Why did they shoot my baby?” The family said police did not inform them until nearly six hours after the shooting.
Bishop urged the public to refrain from conducting private investigations and to trust the official inquiry. “Our mission is to shed light on what happened,” she said.
