Thousands gather to remember Danforth victims

The two young victims of the shooting rampage on Danforth Avenue more than a week ago were laid to rest today. Thousands of mourners were in attendance.

For the first time since a gunman opened fire on restaurant goers and families on Danforth over a week ago Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid his respects at the growing memorial where the shooting began.

“We need to work hard to honour their memories, their love and their spirit and we will do that all of us together.”

Trudeau was among the mourners at the public service for 18 year old Reese Fallon. A recent high school graduate who planned on attending McMaster University’s nursing program in the fall. Groups of family and friends held hands and exchanged hugs, while a mounted honour guard stood at attention and gave a salute to Fallon’s casket.

For his part, the Prime Minister had this to say, “I just wanted to tell those young people and everyone who is grieving and mourning that our loved ones, particularly extraordinary beautiful ones, like the two girls we lost will be with us forever.”

Trudeau says the teens attending Fallon’s funeral reminded him of the memorial service for his brother who died 20 years ago at age 23.

Seeing the young people in that room that were just like Miche’s friends 20 years ago. I just wanted to tell them that they are going to be remembering and celebrating Reese for the rest of their lives.”

At the same time as Fallon’s funeral, mourners gathered at a Greek Orthodox church in Markham to say goodbye to 10 year-old Julianna Kozis in a private service.

13 others were injured in the attack, including some of Fallon’s friends and Julianna’s father.

29 year old Faisal Hussain walked down the street gunning down bystanders. After an exchange of gunfire with officers Hussain was found dead.

Two parallel investigations into the Danforth Avenue shooting are still in their early stages. Toronto Police are still investigating the motive, while Ontario’s police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit, is probing Faisal’s death and interaction with police.