Danforth shooter had lengthy history of violent thoughts, but motive remains unclear: Toronto police

Toronto police say the man who went on a shooting spree in the city’s Greektown neighbourhood in July 2018 had a lengthy history of violent tendencies and thoughts towards himself but the motive for the attack remains unclear.

Chief Mark Saunders went over the investigation’s findings on Friday into the 2018 Danforth shooting that left two dead and 13 injured. 

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0:27 Nothing to suggest anyone else played role in Danforth shooting: police

He said earlier in the day, investigators met with families of the victims of the shooting and that they had been in constant conversation with those affected.

“Although today does not give them the closure for the losses they suffered, it will provide some but not all of the answers,” Saunders said, adding officers spoke to acquaintances, employees and family members of Hussain over the course of the investigation.

Officers responded to calls about a shooting near Danforth and Logan avenues at 10 p.m. on July 22, 2018. Investigators said 29-year-old Faisal Hussain walked into the busy neighbourhood and began shooting.

Reese Fallon, 18, and Julianna Kozis, 10, were killed in the incident.

Saunders said Hussain died due to a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.

He said Hussain’s history with mental health issues was first documented in 1996. Saunders said through researching his background, a picture arose of a very “troubled individual, who was clinically treated for violent acts against himself and an outward expression of violent thoughts.”

Findings revealed Hussain first came into contact with the TPS in 2010 when he was transported to a hospital for a mental health evaluation following an incident of self-harm at school. The documents said Hussain was diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder in June 2010.

However, Saunders said Hussain’s mental health treatment was “inconsistent” over the years, with his last documented appointment with a mental health professional dating back to May 2014.

Investigators said they do not believe Hussain had any connection to any hate groups or terrorist organizations. They said he was also not affiliated with any radical ideologies.

WATCH: Mental health played ‘very critical role’ in Danforth mass shooting

0:51 Mental health played ‘very critical role’ in Danforth mass shooting: Saunders

Saunders added that Hussain did not have any criminal record, however, he came into contact with police on three separate occasions.

Two days before the July 22 attack, Saunders said Hussain was arrested for attempting to steal ice cream but was subsequently released with no charges.

Saunders said that while it is clear mental health played a role in the incident, investigators were not able to identify a clear motive for the attack.

“Although we have collected all of the evidence that was available to us for this crime, the crime where the shooter died at the scene, we may never know the answer as to why,” he said. 

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Det. Terry Browne echoed Saunders sentiment.

“At the end of the day the only person who knows why he did what he did is no longer with us,” Browne said.

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On July 23, investigators executed a search warrant at Hussain’s family home where he lived with his parents. Multiple cellphones, laptops and other electronic devices were seized, however, investigators said none “contained information that would provide any motive for his actions.”

Furthermore, police said none of Hussain’s cell phone records or conversations provided any insight into his mental state or any illegal activities or extremist views.

Several guns and drugs were also seized, documents showed.

Hussain’s family has said publicly that he suffered from depression and psychosis. They also denounced his actions.

WATCH: Danforth mass shooter not associated with any terror groups, diagnosed with anti-social personality disorder

0:46 Danforth mass shooter not associated with any terror groups, diagnosed with anti-social personality disorder