London, Ont. council committee recommends June 6 as ‘Day of Remembrance’ for Afzaal family – London

Councillors from London, Ont., need the town to proclaim June 6 as an official day of remembrance to honour the Afzaal household.

The day marks the anniversary of a tragic hit-and-run that killed 4 family members in what police allege was a hate-motivated assault primarily based on their Muslim religion.

Sought by London and Middlesex Native Immigration Partnership, metropolis council’s company providers committee endorsed a request to proclaim a “Day of Remembrance for Our London Household.”

On June 6, 2021, the Afzaal household was out for a night stroll after they have been struck by a pickup truck on the nook of Hyde Park Street and South Carriage Street.

Within the aftermath of the tragedy, “Not on our sidewalk” posters related the route from a memorial show on the intersection to the London Muslim Mosque on Oxford Road. Hundreds of Londoners attended a public vigil on June 8.

Together with the proposed day of remembrance, the town is planning a everlasting memorial to honour Salman Afzaal, his spouse Madiha Salman, his mom Talat Afzaal, and his 15-year-old daughter Yumnah Afzaal, all killed within the assault.

The accused driver, Nathaniel Veltman of London, faces 4 counts of first-degree homicide and one depend of tried homicide. He’s scheduled to go on trial in September 2023.

On Monday, the company providers committee unanimously supported the Our London Household Day utility. The request goes to council for a full vote on Might 24.

Appearing mayor Josh Morgan stated that he hopes his fellow councillors will approve the proclamation because it marks one of many aims within the metropolis’s “Motion Plan to Disrupt Islamophobia.”

“One of many elements of that plan is for us to acknowledge nowadays of significance and honour the household,” Morgan stated. “I believe at the present time of remembrance will probably be a really emotional time and I hope everybody helps it.”