Your thoughts on the Toronto streetcar shooting verdict

A Toronto police officer has beenfound guilty of attempted murder, even thoughthe person he shot died from his wounds.

• James Forcillo guilty of attempted murder in streetcar shooting of Sammy Yatim

Const. James Forcillo was found not guilty of second-degree murder.

The officer initially firedthree bullets atSammy Yatim,18, as the teen stood alone on an empty streetcar in 2013 brandishing a knife.

Forcillo then fired six more bullets after the teen had fallen to the floor of the streetcar. Eight of the nine bullets struck the teen.

Dozens of readers shared their thoughts about the verdict on our CBC Forum a live, hosted discussion where readers can talk about stories of national interest.

(Note that usernames are not necessarily the commenters' names. Some comments have been edited for length, to correct spelling and to conform to CBC style. Click on the username to read the original comment.)

Many readers criticized Forcillo's actions.

"My concern is that the constable felt it necessary to shoot ninetimes. After watching the video of the incident, my question is 'Why couldn't a Taser be used before a shot was fired?'" BillyBarcode

"There was no one at risk if Sammy Yatim had been left alone until he cooled downor got hungryor went to sleep." Sara Lennard

Others argued that Forcillo should have been exonerated.

"The public was protected, the officer did his job and if I ever need assistance I hope the police officer is a good shot." Vladimir

"This verdict will have major implications for police and sadly will likely cost more lives as a result of police not willing to respond to violent situations for fear of trial by media." ProPatria

"I believe this verdict sets an extremely dangerous precedent throughout the policing community." James Brown

And many commenters were left with questions.

"Aren't officers trained to handle these situations and to try to ensure everyone lives including the perpetrator?" hms

"As a retired army sergeant, I do not understand how you have at least 20 police officers on scenebut no one particularly in charge of the situation, and any one of the officers can engage the subject at will.It's like a bunch of cowboys showing up.In a military situation, someone would be in controlwho would give orders on what actions would take place. Nobody would fire their weapons unless told so." Richard O'Mara

"Iam having trouble understanding how one can be foundguilty of attempted murder when the subject is dead." Deb

Read the complete discussion below.

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