Condolences and Community Impact

The family and friends of Erixon Kabera, a 43-year-old father of three who was shot and killed by police in Hamilton, are reeling from the devastating news of his death and are calling for justice and clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

A Cherished Community Member

In a heartfelt statement released on November 11, Kabera’s relatives described him as a cherished member of the Rwandan-Canadian community, known for his compassion, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his family and community. His family expressed, 'Erixon was the kindest soul we’ve ever known, a giant in his own right, and a pillar of our family. With his infectious smile and laughter, he lived life to the fullest.'

Fatherhood and Community Involvement

A dedicated father, Kabera was deeply involved in the lives of his three sons—Garry Sean, Terry, and Zack—who he regarded as 'his world.' His family highlighted his love for spending quality time with them, taking them everywhere, and being an active presence in their lives.

Professional Life and Community Support

Kabera had immigrated to Canada 20 years ago and was known for his dedication to his work as a resource officer at the Canada Revenue Agency. Additionally, he served as the vice-president of the Rwandan Community Abroad in Toronto and participated in various initiatives aimed at empowering the community. Alphonse Barikage, the president of RCA Toronto, described him as someone who was always the first to lend a helping hand when the community needed support.

Incident Details and Investigation

On November 9, Hamilton Police responded to reports of a man acting in a threatening manner at an apartment building on Main Street. During the encounter, gunfire erupted, leading to injuries for both Kabera and a police officer. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which is now handling the case, confirmed that Kabera did not appear to have fired a weapon during the incident, raising suspicions within the community about the police's narrative.

Family's Response and Demands

Kabera's family expressed disbelief at the police's initial portrayal of the encounter, stating that he was not known to possess a firearm and had no history of violence. They labeled the shifting account of events as 'deeply troubling' and have called for full transparency from authorities regarding the investigation, including any available bodycam footage and surveillance videos.

Call for Justice and Transparency

'This reversal of facts more than 24 hours after the incident is deeply outrageous and unnerving,' the family asserted. 'We want to understand the truth of what happened in Erixon's final moments.'

Community Mourning and Legacy

As the community mourns, they are demanding answers, emphasizing the need for accountability in the face of this heart-wrenching loss. The SIU has assigned multiple investigators to the case and indicated that an autopsy is underway to determine the exact cause of Kabera's death.

Honoring Erixon's Memory

In a time of deep sorrow and confusion, the family remains focused on honoring Kabera’s legacy of love, service, and compassion, seeking not only justice but also the truth that could bring them some semblance of peace.