Original story: 7/30/16
Canadians took to the street to protest the death of Abdirahman Abdi, 37. He was a mentally ill Somali-Canadian man who protestors believed was beaten to death by Ottowa police. Ottawa’s Mayor Jim Watson and other local politicians attended Abdi’s funeral. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) will investigate the circumstances surrounding Abdi’s arrest. One officer has been taken off patrol and the other officer is on leave. Source: Reuters (Canada): Hundreds in Canada protest death of black man, demand change
Update: 8/02/16: Investigations begin
SIU will likely not consider race in their investigations. The SIU will look into the conduct of Constable Dave Weir and Constable Daniel Montsion at the time of Abdi’s arrest. Witnesses to the incident stated they saw police restrain Abdi outside of the coffee shop where they received a call stating a lady had been groped. Witnesses also say Abdi was pepper sprayed, beaten with a baton and punched in the head during the arrest. Weir is on leave and Montision is back on investigative duty. Although the SIU will likely not consider race, it may be considered under an internal investigation. Source: Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC): SIU likely won’t consider race in Abdi arrest investigation, says former deputy chief
Update: 8/05/16: Store owner speaks out
Tracey Clark, president and CEO of Bridgehead coffee shops, spoke of the incident that occurred in front of the store. She stated customers and store staff witnessed an assault and the situation continued to escalate. There were multiple calls to emergency services. Abdi harassed several customers and other customers moved to get him out of the store and restrain him until police could arrive. Calls to police were made because of Abdi’s behavior and not his skin color. He visited the coffee shop often and engaged in behavior that caused customers to feel uncomfortable. Ms. Clark believes the issue is one of mental health not of race. Source: CBC: ‘There’s another part of the story’: Bridgehead owner speaks after Abdirahman Abdi’s fatal arrest
Update: 8/09/16: Death could have been prevented
The ‘Justice for Abdirahman’ coalition believe race was a factor in Abdi’s death at the hands of the Ottawa police. They suggested a task force be formed to analyze “the disproportionate number of black men and people with mental issues who have been killed by police.” Other recommendations from the coalition are to better train police how to deal with minority groups and those with mental illness, accused police officers be relegated to administrative duty, consistent police training, etc. Source: Hiiraan: Abdirahman Abdi’s death ‘could and should’ have been prevented says coalition
