South Sudanese community in mourning after man shot and killed by police in southeast Calgary

Members of the Sudanese community gathered to mourn at the scene of a police shooting that left one man dead. (Helen Pike/CBC - image credit)

 

Calgary's South Sudanese community is in mourning today after Calgary police shot and killed a Black man identified by community members as Latjor Tuel.

Laying flowers close to the scene of the shooting near the area of 45th Street and 17th Avenue S.E. on Sunday afternoon, community members shared stories of Tuel.

"We are saddened and heartbroken at the incident that happened yesterday," said Khor Top, president of the South Sudanese Community of Calgary. "We are here to mourn and to show the support for Latjor and the family."

Members at the gathering remembered Tuel as a gentle and kind person who was a former child soldier from South Sudan.

They said he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of that experience, along with other mental health issues.

On Saturday, Calgary police said they had been called to the area shortly after 3:40 p.m. after hearing reports of a man believed to be in possession of weapons.

Police said witnesses reported the man had assaulted a bystander and threatened others and alleged that the "man's actions led to officers discharging their service weapons."

"Life-saving efforts were attempted, however, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene," police said in a release issued Saturday.

The incident is now being investigated by Alberta's policing watchdog, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT).

Police said that while the incident remains under investigation, no further information will be released.

Others gathered at the scene of the shooting on Sunday criticized the police's de-escalation tactics and their move to shoot Tuel after he allegedly hit a police dog with his weapon.

 

Members of the community alleged that Tuel was using a metal stick as a weapon. Calgary police would not provide more information on the weapon used while the incident is being investigated.

"Let's find out what exactly happened. I know there are messages out there that are being spoken," Top said. "But the issue will be dealt with when the investigation is finalized."

Chatim Thor, a youth leader in the community, said many left war-torn Sudan to come to Canada to get a better life.

"The youth want to be assured that they are safe in this community. Are we safe in this country? We need answers," he said.

No officers were injured in the incident. The police dog that was injured is in stable condition.