Key moments that followed the watershed moment when Anthony Griffin was shot
The Montreal police shooting of a 19-year-old black man 3 decades ago sparked a movement that continues today
Thirty years ago, on Nov. 11, 1987, an unarmed, 19-year-old black man was fatally shot in the headby a Montreal police officer.
His name was Anthony Griffin.
His death was a watershed moment for police relations with the black community in Montreal.
It mobilizedthe communityto put pressure on authorities to answer serious questions about the shooting and examine the way theyrelated to Montreal's different ethnic communities.
Thatprocess, some would say, is ongoing.
Theseare a few key moments in that journey.
November 11, 1987
When they arrive at the police station, Griffin tries to flee. He is unarmed.Const. AllanGossetyells at him to stop and turn around, which he eventually does, butGossetshoots Griffin in the head. The young man is taken to the Jewish General Hospital, where he ispronounceddead around 11:45 a.m.
BothGossetand Montreal's chief of police say the gun went off by accident. Regardless,Gossetis suspended without pay.
November 20, 1987
November21, 1987
More than 2,000 people attend a march in Montreal to protest against Griffin's shooting. Many expresstheir anger thatGossethas been charged with manslaughter instead of murder.
November 24, 1987
February15, 1988
Wearing a grey suit and blue tie,Gossetshows up to the Montreal courthouse for the beginning of his trial. The courtroom is packed as the prosecution's first witnesses testify.
February24, 1988
Gossetis found not guilty of manslaughter. Griffin's parentslauncha$1.6-million civil suit against the City of MontrealandGosset.
The family was ultimately awarded $25,000.
February 27, 1988
July8, 1988
August 1989
Gossetsuccessfully challenges his dismissal from the Montreal police service and is reintegrated, although he doesn't remain a police officer for long.
1991
The Quebec Court of Appeal orders a new trial forGosset, citing the trial judge's error in instructing the jury. In September 1993, the appeal court's rulingis upheld bythe Supreme Court of Canada.
April1994
Gossetis acquitted ofmanslaughterfor a second time.