Here’s an update to my previous post on taser deaths in Canada.
In the video we see a clearly distraught Robert Dizekanski moving furniture, throwing a computer, and apparently having a panic attack. This goes on for a several minutes until the RCMP arrive.
Upon their arrival Dizekanski appears to calm down and seems to cooperate with their instructions. When moved with his back against the counter we can not see Dizekanski’s hands, but there appears to be no movement on his part.
It is at this time that he is tasered for the first time. This is quickly followed by two more shots from tasers. At this point Dizekanski is screaming and convulsion on the ground.
You can view the video here.
CBC’s take is here.
The interesting thing is that the RCMP originally claimed to have tasered Dizekanski only twice. In the video you can clearly hear three distinct cracks as each taser is fired, and possibly a fourth.
So you have four large, armed RCMP members, once suspect who is not physically threatening the officers, and you’re telling me there is not a peaceful way to resolve this situation?
Here’s what I think happened. It’s late, these RCMP officers would rather be someplace else, and they get a call about “some crazy foreign guy” at the airport. They show up, this guy doesn’t speak any English (or French, because as federal employees I’m sure they’re bilingual, right?) and they think “Aw, another stupid immigrant invading our country - let’s waste him rather than take the time to solve this.”
Or maybe the four RCMP are technophiles and were so distraught at seeing a $100 monitor destroyed that they decided to balance the score-sheet with this guys life?
Basically, anyway you cut it the RCMP ends up looking like trigger happy sadists who were all too eager to try out their toys.
I mean, how much meaningful dialogue took place (even hand gestures would have helped!) in the 30 seconds it took the RCMP to pull their tasers? Exactly - none. So, after watching this video, I’d like to hear from all the defenders of the RCMP and tasers now.
Tags: RCMP, Robert Dizekanski, Taser, Vancouver
November 15, 2007 at 10:40 am
[...] 2nd Canadian Taser Death in One Week UPDATE: You can view a new post on this topic and the video here. [...]
November 15, 2007 at 12:08 pm
I can’t believe that my parents brought us to Canada. What kind of a society brutally murders a man for being confused and having an obvious panic attack. Why did no one in the hourse he was at the airport help this man. Have Candians sunk so low and far from their hollier than thou ideals that a simple act of kindness is beyond you. I only hope the officers involved get the maximum punishment for premeditated murder - that is what th video shows. In this country it probably won’t happen because people will blame Robert Dziekanski and make the officers out to be heros for stopping another terrorist. Way to go Canada, stand up and take a bow for being such a welcoming and friendly country. God, Canada disgusts me right now.
November 15, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Oh please, give me a fucking break. Pre-meditated murder? Are you serious. You’re seriously claiming this video gives you proof of premeditation? You’re are seriously going to standby an allegation of MURDER?
From what I see in that video, the guy is acting like a jackass, but he isn’t actually threatening anyone. He’s causing a disturbance, but that’s about it. Now I see 4 cops coming in and take him down with tasers. From what little I could see from that cinema quality video, his actions did not warrant the response taken by the RCMP. I am sure they could have just contained him until someone who could communicate with him could be located, but instead they went with a more physical approach which had tragic results. I think given his apparent reactions to the police, the police response is definitely assault, but in no way is it murder.
These police should be charged with physical assault. It didn’t appear that they made much effort to peacefully contain him. There is nothing in that video that shows any level of premeditation, or willful desire to kill. Are you seriously telling me you really believe the police intention was to kill this man?
And please, Pat, get off your high horse. The actions of four people do not represent a country. Before you start pontificating, make sure your glass house is intact. It’s ironic you use the phrase holier than thou.
November 16, 2007 at 12:45 am
Sigh…Lachlan, as much as I always try and find a way to disagree with you, you keep making so much damn sense. I wish you would quit thinking rationally for a change! geez!
November 16, 2007 at 12:39 pm
i’m scared of canada now.
November 17, 2007 at 10:48 am
This is sick man. RCPM brave policeman should fight real criminals not o poor imigrant on airports.I`m ashemed to be Canadian `couse of this.
November 21, 2007 at 10:43 am
[...] out the other taser related posts here and [...]
April 17, 2008 at 12:36 pm
[...] in the hands of trained police officers, let alone “special” constables (see here and here). So I won’t go on a full scale rant. As usual, I recognize that being a special [...]
June 19, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Put yourself in the airport with this guy. I’m sure most of you would be scared of what his next actions would be. Society expects to be protected from people like him. Who do we expect to help us….THE POLICE. I think they did a great job up until a point. The assessed the situation, contained the threat, and reacted to him. I would expect the police to use one of their many tools (ie stun gun) in order to maintain to control a situation. This guys was acting irrational and was dangerous. Using the stun gun was a good call in my opinion.
Where the police made the mistake is where they maintained top control of him body while he laid on the ground. It appeared the suspect was detained with handcuffs. Usually the detention with handcuffs and enough to limit the suspects mobility and chances of hurting someone else or himself. I didn’t see any immediate need to remain ontop of him after the handcuffs where placed on him. But all that being said….I wasn’t there and really can only speculate how I would have handled the situation.