On Thursday morning, a gathering took place at a mosque in Brossard, Quebec, where family, friends, and community members paid tribute to a 15-year-old boy who was fatally shot by Longueuil police on Sunday. Approximately 1,300 attendees, including men, women, and youth, dressed in somber attire, entered the mosque solemnly. Many were visibly emotional, with some shedding tears and one teenager crying out for “Justice for Nooran” before entering the Ismaili Jamatkhana.
Zahrah Khademi shared heartfelt memories of her second cousin, describing him as a vibrant and kind individual full of life and potential. Despite the shock and unanswered questions surrounding his death, the focus of the gathering was to celebrate his life and bid him a final farewell.
Nooran’s parents declined media interviews, choosing to mourn privately and bid farewell to their son. The mosque was filled with mourners who performed the Muslim funeral prayer, salat al-janaza, and offered prayers of invocation, du’as, for Nooran’s peaceful departure.
Raihan Ansari, a 14-year-old who grew up alongside Nooran, expressed the importance of attending the prayer service to honor his friend’s memory. Mustapha Tamani, providing support to grieving youths, emphasized the need for proper support and understanding for young individuals coping with the tragedy.
The fatal incident has sparked grief and anguish throughout the community, with questions raised about the circumstances leading to Nooran’s death. The Quebec police watchdog, BEI, revealed details of the police operation that resulted in the shooting, indicating that only the officer’s service weapon was recovered at the scene. Witness accounts suggest a swift escalation leading to the fatal shot without substantial interaction with the teenager.
The shooting has prompted calls for transparency and accountability, with investigations ongoing and support being extended to the bereaved family and affected community members. The tragic loss of a young life has left many seeking answers and grappling with the impact of the incident on their lives and trust in law enforcement.