York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween has advised the public to "hide and comply" during home invasions, following the tragic murder of 46-year-old Abdul Aleem Farooqi. Farooqi was shot in his Vaughan home, prompting concerns about safety in the community.

At a news conference on Wednesday, MacSween urged citizens to avoid taking matters into their own hands if they find themselves victims of a home invasion. "In the unlikely event that you find yourself a victim of a home invasion, we are urging citizens not to take matters into their own hands," he said. He emphasized the importance of calling 911 and doing everything possible to keep oneself and loved ones safe until police arrive.

However, questions remain about police response times. Reports suggest that there was at least a 13-minute wait for police to arrive after the distress call was made, with some claiming the call was placed before the intruders entered the home. The police have not yet confirmed the exact response time.

The community is grappling with the aftermath of Farooqi's death, a respected businessman and father of four, who was killed during a home invasion at 1 a.m. Many residents are expressing frustration with the police chief's advice, feeling it does not adequately address their safety concerns.

MacSween acknowledged the community's feelings of unease, stating, "When we have a weekend like we just had, it’s easy to understand our community is feeling unsafe, but let me say this once again: This does remain a safe place to live and our service is doing everything possible to investigate these crimes and maintain public safety."

Despite his reassurances, many residents are skeptical. They feel that the advice to comply with intruders is unrealistic and does not reflect the current climate of crime in the area. The chief's comments have sparked a debate about the effectiveness of current laws and the need for reform.

MacSween mentioned that he has been advocating for bail reform but noted that changes have been slow. He stated, "As a police service, we will follow the laws as written. If the laws change, we’ll change with the laws, but as it stands, we know the best defense for most people is to comply."

The chief's remarks have drawn criticism, with some community members feeling that they are being asked to surrender to criminal elements. The situation has raised questions about the balance between public safety and individual rights in the face of rising crime.