LONDON, Ontario – Family members of the Afzaals, a Muslim family tragically murdered in a vehicle attack by Nathaniel Veltman, are sharing their stories of loss, grief, pain, and resilience at a sentencing hearing in London, Ont. Two days have been set aside for victim impact statements due to the large number of family members and friends willing to share how the events of June 6, 2021 have impacted their lives.
Veltman drove his truck “pedal to the metal” into the Afzaal family as they were out for an evening walk, resulting in the deaths of four family members and leaving a little boy orphaned. “They never harmed anyone. Why would anyone do that to them?” one close family member questioned. The emotional toll is immeasurable, with one family member expressing the shock and heartbreak of seeing four coffins at the funeral, juxtaposed with the outpouring of support from the community.
The devastating impact of the attack is evident as surviving family members address the court, sharing how it has changed their lives. One brother spoke of his children questioning their identity and sense of belonging in Canada, while his daughter changed schools due to the unbearable thought of living in the same city without her aunt and uncle. The anguish of losing a mother’s love and the struggle to come to terms with the tragedy is palpable in their statements.
The family’s faith has provided strength and resilience in the face of this unimaginable pain, with family members affirming that while the pain will never go away, their faith has only grown stronger. As the sentencing phase of the trial unfolds, questions remain about whether the attack constitutes an act of terror or if it was planned and deliberate.
Despite the heart-wrenching impact of this tragedy, the family continues to exhibit remarkable resilience and unwavering faith in the face of unimaginable loss. The inherent strength of the Afzaal family is a testament to their unwavering spirit in the midst of unspeakable tragedy.