Thousands pay tribute to Toronto van attack victims, gather at vigil in show of solidarity
Toronto, Apr 29 (IBNS): Thousands, including Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, banded together today at Mel Lastman Square here in an overwhelming show of support to the vigil organized to pay tribute to the victims of Monday’s van attack.
The vigil was organized by the city, along with Faith in the City and Toronto area Interfaith Council.
Speakers represented various religions as they praised the maturity the city had shown in the wake of the horrifying attack in which 10 people lost their lives while 16 were injured. They thanked the first responders, police and medical team who tended to the victims.
The speakers laid a flower each on the stage as the names of those killed in the attack were read out. The Willowdale Community Choir, Toronto Children’s Concert Choir, Choir of Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto performed during the vigil. Toronto’s Poet laureate Anne Michaels read out a poem in solidarity with the gathering.
Just before the vigil began, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Julie Payette signed a book of condolence set up at the nearby Olive Square. They also laid bouquets at the memorial set up there. A large crowd gathered around them.
Trudeau’s message in the book of condolence read: “You really see the strength and resilience when terrible things happen. Torontonians and Canadians showed how we will always be there for each other."
The Prime Minister and Governor General then joined mayor John Tory in a procession to walk south on Yonge Street to Mel Lastman Square for the vigil.
Other dignitaries present at the vigil included Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and her Quebec counterpart Philippe Couillard.
A visitation was announced for 23-year-old Ji Hun Kim, one of the victims and a South Korean international student.
On Friday, officials released the names of all eight women and two men who were killed.
Alek Minassian, the 25-year-old accused, has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and 13 counts of attempted murder. He will be charged with three more counts of attempted murder during his next appearance in court.
(Reporting by Sayantan Banerjee)
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