Full Breakdown
Family of Nooran Rezayi Sues Longueuil Police Following Fatal Shooting
12/9/2025, 9:05:51 PM
Incident Overview
The family of Nooran Rezayi, a 15-year-old boy shot dead by a Longueuil police officer on September 21, 2023, is suing the police force and the city of Longueuil for approximately $2.2 million in damages. The family alleges that the police used unreasonable and disproportionate force during the incident, which occurred after officers responded to a 911 call reporting a group of armed individuals in the area. According to the family's representatives, Rezayi was unarmed and carrying only a backpack filled with school books at the time of the shooting.
Context of the Shooting
The incident unfolded when police received a call about masked individuals allegedly carrying weapons, including a baseball bat and pepper spray. The family claims that the police misrepresented the situation, stating that the only weapon recovered at the scene was the gun belonging to the officer who shot Rezayi. The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), Quebec's police oversight body, confirmed that no firearm was found on Rezayi, only a baseball bat.
Legal Action and Family's Demands
At a recent news conference, Fahima Rezayi, Nooran's mother, expressed the family's desire for justice, stating, “We want the police officer to face consequences, the police department to take responsibility, and this doesn’t happen again.” The family is also critical of the BEI for failing to keep them informed about the investigation's progress and for allegedly misleading the public regarding the circumstances of the shooting.
Criticism of Police Oversight
The BEI has faced scrutiny for its handling of investigations into police conduct, particularly regarding fatal shootings. Since its establishment in 2016, the BEI has conducted over 450 investigations, with only two resulting in charges. Critics argue that the agency is too lenient towards police officers, noting that many investigators are former police themselves. This has raised concerns about the independence and effectiveness of the BEI in ensuring accountability.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the family's lawsuit, the Longueuil police have not publicly commented on the specific allegations. However, the BEI has defended its investigative process, urging the public to trust its independence while acknowledging the challenges of interviewing officers who retain the right to remain silent.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the details surrounding the 911 call that initiated the police response. The family contends that the media leak of the call was intended to sway public opinion against the teenagers involved. The BEI's investigation is ongoing, and the family has expressed concerns about the potential lack of accountability for the officers involved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We want justice,” — Fahima Rezayi, Mother of Nooran Rezayi
- “Only one weapon was seized at the scene of the incident, and it belonged to the police officer who fired the shots,” — Family’s Media Release
- “We find this way of doing things deplorable.” — Virginie Dufresne-Lemire, Lawyer for the Rezayi Family
The outcome of the lawsuit and the BEI's investigation remains to be seen, as the community continues to seek answers and accountability following this tragic incident.
