Ontario Premier Doug Ford praised a homeowner in Vaughan, Ont., for shooting and injuring an alleged home invader, stating that intruders “deserve to be shot.” Ford expressed his approval of the homeowner’s actions during an unrelated news conference on Wednesday, suggesting that the intruder should have been shot more times. He criticized the federal government for targeting law-abiding gun owners and criticized judges for releasing individuals on bail, noting that the accused in this case was on probation.
Opposition parties criticized Ford’s remarks, with NDP Leader Marit Stiles calling them “irresponsible nonsense.” Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner and Ontario Liberal critic Karen McCrimmon condemned Ford’s comments, emphasizing the need for promoting safety measures rather than violence.
York Regional Police confirmed that the resident who used a legally owned firearm to defend the home would not face charges. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning in Vaughan, with armed suspects forcing entry into the home before fleeing in a black pickup truck. Video footage released by the police showed the masked suspects entering and leaving the property.
A 24-year-old man, facing charges of robbery with a firearm, disguise with intent, and probation order breach, is now in stable condition in the hospital. He had a history of violent offenses and was wanted by multiple law enforcement agencies. Court records revealed his involvement in a high-speed chase and robbery incident in 2020.
The man had previously led the police on a chase through Mississauga and was later found guilty of robbery and dangerous driving. Despite his criminal history, he was acquitted of kidnapping charges.