TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2012 −This morning, Toronto Police Service and York University held a joint news conference to announce the arrest of Andrew MacDonald, the alleged suspect in the shot fired at York’s Assiniboine student apartment building on Saturday, February 18, 2012.

I would like to express my deep concern that the alleged suspect, a York student, so seriously compromised the safety of everyone at York. I am extremely thankful that no one was physically hurt and that an arrest has been made.

Going forward, we will continue to work closely with Toronto Police Service as their investigation progresses to learn more about how this happened and to determine what York might still need to do to further enhance safety. I have asked Vice-President Brewer, as Chair of the Management Safety Committee, to provide a report within 90 days.

I want to assure everyone that the safety and well-being of all our community members – students, faculty, and staff – is paramount at York.

I want to sincerely thank Toronto Police Service for moving so quickly to arrest the suspect. As soon as the incident occurred, York Security Staff and Police collaborated, sharing resources and information that resulted in this swift arrest. I would also like to thank York Security Services and Student Housing Services for their full cooperation with Police.

 

Mamdouh Shoukri
President and Vice-Chancellor