Dawson community marks 20 years since college shooting

CANADA Dawson community marks 20 years since college shooting By Alessia Simona Maratta & Elizabeth Zogalis Global News Posted September 11, 2026 6:25 pm Updated September 11, 2026 8:35 pm 2 min read Dawson College is marking the 20th anniversary of the 2006 shooting that killed 18-year-old student Anastasia De Sousa and injured 19 others. Members of the Dawson community, including survivors, alumni, friends and family members gathered at the college's peace garden to honour the victims. Elizabeth Zogalis reports. LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Twenty years after a shooting at Dawson College claimed the life of 18-year-old Anastasia De Sousa and injured 19 others, survivors, family members and members of the college community gathered Friday to remember the victims and reflect on how the tragedy has shaped their lives. The commemoration at the college’s Peace Garden brought together alumni, friends, relatives, dignitaries and first responders, many of whom continue to carry the impact of Sept. 13, 2006. For survivor Hayder Kadhim, memories of that day remain vivid. “It feels like 20 days ago,” he said. “Like I am still 17 years old.” Kadhim was shot three times during the attack, in the leg, neck and head. Despite the passage of two decades, he said the anniversary was also a reminder of the resilience that emerged in its aftermath. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT “Seeing everyone here today, the fact that 20 years later we are still able to make something great out of this, I think it feels inspiring,” he said. Get breaking Montreal news Get breaking Montreal news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story. SIGN UP FOR BREAKING MONTREAL NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. Kadhim said he continues to draw inspiration from De Sousa, whom he remembers for her positivity. “Losing a friend that had such a good vibe … having survived it and knowing that I was given a second chance, it almost felt like a duty or a mission that I had to continue spreading the positivity that she had,” he said. Another survivor, Meaghan Hennegan, said the anniversary highlights how remembrance has evolved into action. “We’re far enough removed from the actual tragedy that remembrance…