Dawson shooting survivor turned SPVM officer reflects on friend's death 20 years on
James Santos, a survivor of the 2006 Dawson College shooting, now a Montreal police officer, reflects on the 20th anniversary of the tragedy where his friend Anastasia De Sousa was killed. He recounts the harrowing experience of being a human shield and how the police force inspired him to join.
Why it matters
This article highlights the long-term impact of gun violence on individuals and communities, showcasing resilience and the personal motivations behind public service, while also serving as a somber reminder of a significant historical event.
Two decades ago, James Santos saw his friend die in a shooting at a Montreal college. Now he is a Montreal police officer working for the force he says saved his life that day.
Sunday marks the 20th anniversary of the shooting.
On Sept. 13, 2006, a gunman entered Dawson College and opened fire on students in the hall. He killed 18-year-old Anastasia De Sousa and injured 19 others.
Santos, then a 17-year-old student, was having lunch with De Sousa that day. The cafeteria was packed and the two found a free table close to the entrance, he recalled in an interview with The Canadian Press.
“We were talking about our weekend and what we did and we had laughs — and then, all of a sudden, I see the shooter walk in,” he said.
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