People Are Demanding Justice For Abdirahman Abdi After His Deadly Altercation With Police

    Witnesses say the 37-year-old man was "beaten by multiple officers" before his death.

    Ishmael N. Daro
    by Ishmael N. Daro

    BuzzFeed Staff, Canada

    People are demanding justice for Abdirahman Abdi, a 37-year-old Somali-Canadian man who died after he was pepper-sprayed and beaten by multiple police officers, according to witnesses.

    Family photo / Via gofundme.com

    Ontario's Special Investigations Unit, which probes incidents of police-related deaths, said in a news release that officers responded to a call on Sunday about a man who was groping people at a coffee shop in downtown Ottawa. They tried to arrest Abdi outside his apartment building.

    "At some point during the confrontation, the man suffered medical distress," the SIU said.

    Witnesses told the Ottawa Citizen, however, that Abdi was pepper-sprayed and "beaten by multiple officers."

    Another witness told CBC News that a second cop who arrived "immediately started beating the suspect with his fists in the face and head."

    A neighbour of Abdi's who recorded part of the violent arrest told Metro she saw officers kneel on the back of Abdi’s head during the altercation. Shukri Samater also described Abdi as "not well" and dealing with mental health issues. She suggested a language barrier may have exacerbated the situation.

    Graphic videos of the arrest show a bloodied Abdi lying unresponsive on the ground, with his hands still in cuffs as officers wait for paramedics.

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    Initial reports said Abdi was rushed to the hospital in "critical condition," and he was declared dead a day later on Monday afternoon.

    But a family spokesperson later told media that Abdi was already dead when he arrived at the hospital.

    "According to the doctors' assessment, he had been already dead 45 minutes before he arrived in the care of the doctors," Nimao Ali said.

    Idil Mussa @idilmussa

    He was already dead. The family speaks. See the FULL statement on CBC News #ottnews

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    There was an outpouring of grief on social media after Abdi's death was announced.

    Farah N. Mawani @farah_way

    My heart is so heavy with this news. I feel so much sorrow for him & his loved ones #AbdirahmanAbdi #justiceforAbdi https://t.co/mHIf5KBX6P

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    BlackLivesMatter TO @BLM_TO

    Our hearts go out to Abdirahman Abdi's family, loved ones, & the Somali community, who are yet again grieving because of Police violence.

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    trapdinawrpool @trapdinawrpool

    I can't help but think of how terrifying #AbdirahmanAbdi's last moments must have been

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    Abdi's name became a rallying point for people demanding answers and accountability for his death.

    Lucky @mosaicgraffiti

    Say his name #AbdirahmanAbdi

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    very angry canjeelo @versacejabi

    I dont need yall to hide when its a Muslim black person #AbdirahmanAbdi was an innocent man murdered by cops say his name! #BlackLivesMatter

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    People are calling out the police response, and questioning why it escalated so quickly.

    Anthony Morgan @AnthonyNMorgan

    This is another deadly display of the police penchant for offering triggers over treatment #AbdirahmanAbdi

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    Many are also calling for the officers involved in Abdi's death to be held responsible.

    Helvetica Bold @MissHelveticaB

    #OttawaPolice owes us all action. Hold the officers who beat #AbdirahmanAbdi to death accountable.

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    Chris Markevich @cmarkevich

    The @OttawaPolice officers who beat #AbdirahmanAbdi to death must be held accountable. #JusticeForAbdi

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    "His life mattered."

    T'ChallaBack Youngin @AndrayDomise

    #AbdirahmanAbdi was beaten to death by the Ottawa Police. His life mattered.

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    The National Council of Canadian Muslims has called for a thorough investigation of Abdi's death.

    "This is a heartbreaking loss and our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Abdi's family at this difficult time," NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee said in a statement. "Many members of the Ottawa Muslim and Somali communities have serious concerns about how this tragic incident unfolded, including whether prejudice had something to do with Mr. Abdi's treatment."

    A vigil for Abdi is planned for Tuesday evening. The family also started a GoFundMe page to cover the funeral expenses and legal fees.