070 The Eaton Centre Shooting

On a busy Saturday afternoon in June 2012, Toronto's Eaton Centre was packed with shoppers, families, tourists, and teenagers grabbing lunch. In just 15 seconds, one of Canada's busiest public spaces became the scene of a mass shooting.

When Christopher Husbands opened fire in the crowded food court, two young men were killed, several bystanders were injured, and thousands fled in panic. But the story didn't begin at the Eaton Centre. Months earlier, Husbands had survived a brutal attack that left him stabbed 36 times, setting in motion a chain of events that would end in tragedy.

In this episode, we examine the Eaton Centre shooting, the victims and survivors caught in the chaos, the remarkable story of Jessica Ghawi—who narrowly escaped the shooting only to be killed weeks later in the Aurora theater massacre—and the decade-long legal battle that followed.

From trauma and revenge to PTSD, public safety, and the limits of criminal responsibility, this is the story of 15 seconds that changed countless lives forever.

Research for this episode was conducted by Christine.

✨ This episode also highlights the work of Niagara Reproductive Justice (NRJ)— Learn more or support their work by visiting their social media or emailing niagarareproductivejustice@gmail.com. 

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Edited by Kyle McDonnell