While further charges could be laid pending more information, the police task force reviewing a September riot in northeast Calgary has closed its investigation.
On September 2, 2023, more than 150 people are believed to have taken part in a violent riot in the northeast community of Falconridge, tied to Eritrean faction disputes. The encounter resulted in multiple injuries and property damage.
Shortly after, the Calgary Police Service (CPS) launched an investigative task force to identify those people who participated in the violence.
Thus far, 28 people are facing 63 charges in connection with the event. Most recently, Rusom Tesfamikael, 50, of Calgary was charged with rioting and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
“Over the course of four and a half months, our members have worked relentlessly to identify individuals involved in one of Calgary’s largest violent incidents. We have not lost sight of our goal – holding involved individuals accountable,” said Calgary Police Service Chief Constable Mark Neufeld, in a prepared media release.
“Our service and community will not tolerate incidents such as this where senseless violence and property damage is the result. Similar incidents have occurred in other jurisdictions in Canada and beyond. At this point, we are the only Canadian police agency to have laid rioting charges against those who participated.”
Chief Neufeld thanked the media and the public for information that was brought forward during the task force investigation.
Anyone with additional information on the incident can contact police at 403-266-1234.
