Warning: The following account includes information about the events leading up to the tragic demise of Anastasia De Sousa.
James Santos witnessed the fatal shooting of his friend at a Montreal college twenty years ago. Today, he serves as a Montreal police officer, grateful for the force that he believes saved his life during the harrowing incident.
This Sunday marks the 20th anniversary of the shooting that took place on September 13, 2006, at Dawson College. A gunman entered the college and opened fire in the hallway, resulting in the death of 18-year-old Anastasia De Sousa and injuries to 19 others.
Recalling the tragic day, Santos, then a 17-year-old student, vividly remembers having lunch with De Sousa in a crowded cafeteria near the entrance. The peaceful conversation was abruptly interrupted when the shooter entered the scene.
As Santos took cover behind chairs upon realizing the imminent danger, De Sousa, unaware of the threat, stood up, facing the shooter directly. Tragically, she was one of the first targets, getting hit near her abdomen.
In a desperate attempt to protect his friend, Santos comforted De Sousa, only to find himself at the mercy of the shooter who demanded Santos to act as a shield. Santos complied, fearing for the safety of his trapped friends and not wanting to provoke the gunman.
Engaging in a tense conversation with the shooter, Santos tried to divert his attention by misleading him about the school layout. When asked about De Sousa’s condition, Santos, hoping she was alive, hesitated in his response, only to witness the shooter callously take De Sousa’s life in front of him.
The traumatic ordeal continued as Santos confronted the shooter to protect another student, eventually leading to the gunman taking his own life after being shot by the police.
Reflecting on the events that unfolded, Santos expressed the mental and emotional challenges he faced in the aftermath of the shooting. Overcoming his trauma, Santos embarked on a journey to become a police officer, driven by a desire to give back to the community and the force that he credits with granting him a second chance at life.
His path to joining the police force was arduous, marked by nightmares and panic attacks that he addressed through therapy and gradual exposure to triggering situations. Santos’ perseverance culminated in his successful transition to becoming a police officer, equipped with the resilience forged through his enduring struggle.
The commemoration of the shooting at Dawson College brought together survivors, families, and students to honor the memory of Anastasia De Sousa, celebrated for her vibrant spirit and strength.
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