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John Lancaster @jlancasterCBC
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New details about #DanforthShooting emerging as court documents released:
Shooter (Faisal Hussain) shot himself in head after firing on unsuspecting public. He had ad been arrested 2 days prior to rampage for shoplifitng but not charged.
Hussain had several dealings with Toronto and Durham police for being "EDP"-police jargon for "Emotionally Distressed Person"-described as depressed, fascinated with death and violence.
Hussain left his home about 8:30 night of shootings. Opened fire on Danforth at about 10pm. When police found his lifeless body his phone was ringing-it was his parents. Police told them to get to a police station.
Three times in 2010 (May and June) Toronto police were called about Hussain-all for mental health problems.
When police searched Hussain's apartment where he lived with his parents, a gun dog detected a "hit" in drawers at bottom of his bed. Documents are redacted and don't say what dog located.
When police searched Hussain's body after shootings, they found cocaine on him.
One witness told police Hussain was standing above a female victim who was lying on ground and fired four shots into her.
Search warrant documents: "There are witnesses that called 911 and believed there may have been more than one suspect. Police have not been able to confirm or deny this at this time..."This was written a day after shootings, (July 23, 2018) so dated.
Police source to CBC- Hussain's computer and phone were data mined, there were no images of anything related to terrorism despite rumours some are trying to spread.
It appears police may have located ammunition for an AK-47 in Hussain's apartment-no similar weapon though. Hussain used handgun to harm public.
First warrant police applied for to search Hussain home was actually rejected by court-here’s why:
Shortly before shooting Hussain was spotted in alley near Danforth. Told local resident "Don't worry, I'm not going to shoot you." Resident replied sarcastically "Thanks". Hussain then told him "Get out of the way" pulled gun and began shooting others.
Multiple witnesses reportedly tried to call 911 "but couldn't get through".
Winess says a police officer showed up and ordered Hussain to ground "stay down" or "don't move". Hussain fled and officer told public to get down trying to warn them of danger. Rear window of cruiser was broken-possibly by gunfire but witness did not hear shot.
Other witness: shooter reloaded, changed bullet clips
Hussain's parents told police Hussain was essentially a loner with few if any friends. They were closest to him, but even they didn't know him that well they said.
Afternoon of shooting, Hussain's brother tried to convince Hussain to get his "life together, getting married and getting direction." Hussain replied he was "mentally retarded".
Faisal had told his brother that he had previously "robbed a store with a gun, called police to say he wanted to kill himself and had been on anti-depressants."
About 4 years ago, Hussain visited Pakistan with his father. 2 years ago started attending a mosque with his father "but did not seem that interested in religion."
When Faisal Hussain's brother heard of Danforth shootings on the news he texted Faisal and told him to "stay at home." He had no idea Faisal was the shooter, and now dead from self inflicted gun shot.
According to family, Hussain was happy during trip to Pakistan because "people left him alone there." Hussain said he did not want to return home to Canada.
Name is redacted but someone "forces" Hussain to got to mosque on Friday "as he does not go willingly." Hussain would stay in his room and play video games-did not want to go outside.
Other friend or family (name redacted) says Hussain left home around 9pm night of shootings. "nothing seemed unusual". He was wearing a shoulder bag he always wore.
Hussain's mother tells police her son had no car, no friends and never had a girlfriend. He stayed in his room for hours listening to music and went for evening walks. Son had a psychiatrist.
Police found "white powder"-likely cocaine, and three mobile phones, an Ipad and laptop in Hussain's bedroom.
Day after July 22nd shootings, warrants show police trying to determine if Hussain had "potential accomplices" or was trying to counsel others to commit similar crimes. Note-no other arrests have been made in the case at this point.
These documents describe how so many people were out enjoying their lives (a birthday party, having dessert, couples meeting up, friends out for a walk) when Hussain opened fire on them. Some describe trying to help others but couldn't due to active shooter.
In all there are about 60 pages of docs that have been released with partial redactions. They relate to the first warrant police wanted (which was denied as being too broad in scope), second warrant (granted). And a third warrant to search what police seized from Hussain's home.
Tragic description of man wanting to help wounded person he believed was dying, eventhough he had been shot in the back himself. #Toronto
For those following this somewhat disturbing thread-apologies for the graphic content. Hopefully it gives us an indication of the bravery of witnesses, those who tried to help fellow Torontonians, and a slight glimpse into the mind of the offender. #DanforthShooting
This is what police had learned about Hussain in the 24 hours after he opened fire on unsuspecting public:
I've received emails + qs about this. To be clear: police tell us no images/evidence to support he was member of terror group. They believe he was person acting on violent/gun fantasies w/ history of mental health and drug issues. This despite ISIS claims. Hope this helps. TY.
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