First victim identified in deadly Toronto van attack
The first of 10 people killed in the Toronto van attack has been identified as an employee of a US-based investment management firm, according to a report.
Anne-Marie D’Amico worked at the Canadian headquarters of Invesco located near the mile-long stretch where Alek Minassian allegedly plowed a Ryder rental van into a lunch-hour crowd, killing 10 people and injuring 15, according to the CBC.
Peter Intraligi, president of Invesco Canada, confirmed her death to the outlet.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those impacted by this tragic event,” Intraligi said. “I can now confirm that unfortunately one of our employees has succumbed to her injuries. Out of respect for her and her family, we will not be providing any further comments.”
Minassian, 25, was due to appear in a Toronto courtroom at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Police said that charges against the suspect would be provided at that time.
The incident began about 1:30 p.m. Monday around Yonge Street and Finch Avenue and ended when Minassian was collared about a half-hour later after trying to goad police into shooting him.
“We’re all putting our pieces together to see exactly what we have,” said Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders, adding that the attack “definitely appeared deliberate.”
Garry Clement, a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police chief and, told the CBC that he thinks the cops involved “deserve to be commended because they demonstrated a lot of restraint.”
Footage shot by a bystander showed police arresting the man as he shouted: “Kill me” and pointed an object at a cop, who replied, “No, get down!”
When the suspect said, “I have a gun in my pocket,” the officer responded: “I don’t care! Get down!”
The attack shook the usually tranquil streets of Toronto, a major tourist destination. The city, which has a population of 2.8 million, recorded 61 murders last year, Reuters reported.
“This kind of tragic incident is not representative of how we live and who we are,” Mayor John Tory told reporters.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident a “tragic and senseless attack.”
The city’s iconic CN Tower, which is normally lit up in the evening, went dark Monday evening.