This article written in french by Nicholas Pereira was automatically translated using ChatGPT.

A 31-year-old Torontonian is denouncing an incident of police brutality and racial profiling that occurred during his stay in Laval on the night of September 1.

Gulaid Mahdi Omar and his friends had just exited a rented vehicle when they were reportedly intercepted by police. The officers allegedly instructed them to return to the vehicle.

A video posted on social media shows the aftermath of the intervention, during which police attempted to subdue Mr. Omar on the ground. The Red Coalition, which fights against racial profiling and systemic racism, notes that one officer allegedly placed a knee on his neck, but this cannot be confirmed with the available footage. Several blows were reportedly struck, and the Black man can be heard saying he “can’t breathe.”

(Video courtesy: The Red Coalition)

His friends, who were in the vehicle at the time, also told the police that he couldn’t breathe. “If he can talk, he can breathe,” responded the Laval Police Service officer.

“The footage from this video is deeply troubling and reminiscent of the assault and death of George Floyd [in the United States] in 2019,” commented Joel DeBellefeuille, executive director and founder of The Red Coalition, in a statement. “This is the most shocking and disturbing case of racial profiling I have ever seen. Mr. Mahdi was clearly compliant, yet the officers continued to use excessive force.”

According to the group, the police also sprayed the victim with pepper spray and used a Taser. The Torontonian had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance, incurring a $350 fee. He was diagnosed with a concussion, in addition to having several visible bruises.

“Why would I not listen to armed men enforcing the law? Do I want to die at 30 for nothing? I complied all the way, as you can see in the video! I have nothing to hide,” wrote Gulaid Mahdi Omar on his X account.

Laval Police Version

The Service de police de Laval (SPL) states that the intervention began when a pair of officers noticed a running vehicle with three occupants near a licensed establishment in Pont-Viau.

Due to the late hour and the vehicle’s location, the officers intercepted it to check the driver’s capabilities.

“The intercepted individual refused to cooperate with the police and resisted, forcing them to use a continuum of force,” states the SPL. “He was arrested and released on summons. Criminal charges may be filed by the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions.”

He was also issued traffic tickets under the Highway Safety Code.

According to The Red Coalition, he received two fines of $176 each. The first was for his inability to present a valid driver’s license, while the second was for not having proof of car insurance. The organization insists that he was not the driver of the vehicle at that time.

The police department claims it has reviewed the videos related to this intervention. “After analysis, the intervention was conducted according to protocols,” states Courrier Laval. “The involved officers are not suspended.”

The SPL also assures that no form of discrimination is tolerated within its organization. “Integrity, respect, and diversity are at the core of our police service’s values and guide our daily actions and commitment to the Laval community.”

Legal Action

Gulaid Mahdi Omar has tasked The Red Coalition with holding the involved officers accountable and pursuing legal action to the fullest extent permitted by law. The organization “is preparing to immediately file a complaint for police ethics violations and is working closely with its partners to ensure justice is served.”

It is worth noting that the Commissioner of Police Ethics and the Commission on Human Rights and Youth Rights are among the independent bodies that allow any citizen to file a complaint regarding a police intervention.