Arrests made in North York Jewish school shooting

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These courageless cowards may have thought they could shoot up a Jewish girls’ elementary school and escape under the cover of darkness.

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They thought badly.

Less than a week after this chilling alleged crime, Toronto police arrested two people in the Yom Kippur shootings in North York.

Deputy Police Chief Robert Johnson said during a live news conference that an adult and a juvenile were in custody.

“I am pleased to announce the arrest of two individuals in connection with the incident at Bais Chaya Mushka Primary School on Saturday, October 12,” Johnson said. “Both men face multiple charges, including unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm – a Glock handgun modified to become fully automatic. While I cannot share details about the motivation behind this incident due to the ongoing investigation, we are exploring in depth why these two individuals (allegedly) committed these crimes and any connection to the previous shooting at this school on May 25, 2024.”

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The adult, 20 years old Helder Antonio De Ameida, 20, of Toronto, was arrested Thursday and charged with discharging a restricted and prohibited firearm, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of possession a loaded prohibited and restricted firearm, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime valued at more than $5,000 and two counts of possession of a prohibited device.

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The 17-year-old, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, faces many of the same charges, including unauthorized possession of a firearm, but also two counts of failing to comply with a release order.

Both were in court Friday. Their bond status is not yet known. The accusations against the two men have not been tested in court.

This is a very significant arrest that comes during the holiday season of the Jewish faith and at a time when so many members of the community feel unsafe and abandoned. Relations between the Jewish community and the city became strained when Mayor Olivia Chow failed to appear for the one-year anniversary on October 7. Hamas attack in Israel – just days before this shooting.

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Chow apologized, but since she didn’t show up at the March for Israel or the flag raising for Israel’s Independence Day, the damage was done and the message was sent. Toronto was beginning to look like a place where the hunt for Jews was on. Just before this shooting, there was a video of a ranting man talking about Hitler while denouncing a Jew. This matter remains under investigation.

The mayor has failed Toronto’s Jews since October 7, but he pledged to do better in the future. This anti-Semitism is not acceptable and is not sustainable. This arrest was therefore vital.

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Chief Myron Demkiw, who has spoken out about the disturbing increase in anti-Semitic crimes in Toronto over the past year, understands this better than anyone.

“The safety and well-being of our communities remains our top priority. Our increased police presence throughout the city will continue for as long as necessary, demonstrating our commitment to keeping all neighborhoods safe. As I have said before, our investigations are continuing and charges may be filed at any time, whether immediately after the incident or in the days and weeks that follow,” said Demkiw of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). conference in Boston. “I want to thank our department members who have worked tirelessly since this incident to identify those responsible. Special thanks to our Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, Hate Crimes Unit, Forensic Identification Services and our partners at the Center for Forensic Sciences for their dedication to keeping our communities safe .

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It was some quick detective work by police who conducted a dual investigation with Toronto Police’s Integrated Guns and Gangs Unit and Hate Crimes Unit. Johnson said that by using every tool at their disposal — from tips from the public to video footage to forensics — they were able to make the arrests.

“This makes it clear that such violent acts will not be tolerated,” said Councilor Brad Bradford.

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OhOfficers arrived at the scene in Chesswood after 4 a.m. and found a broken window. Traces of gunshots were found, but no injuries were reported.

This remains a very active investigation.

Arrests in second Bais Chaya Mushka shooting. Maybe the arrests in the first case will be as follows?

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