On Friday, September 11, 2026, a crowd gathered at the Peace Garden of Dawson College in Montreal to mark the 20‑year anniversary of the 2006 shooting that claimed the life of student Anastasia De Sousa and injured 16 others.
The gathering included survivors of the attack and families of those wounded or killed. They stood in the garden, a space on campus that has become a focal point for remembrance.
The 2006 incident, which shocked the province, resulted in one death—Anastasia De Sousa—and sixteen injuries, as documented in a 2008 coroner report. The attack remains a reference point in discussions of campus safety.
Organizers chose the Peace Garden for its symbolic setting, offering a tranquil environment for reflection. Attendees placed flowers, lit candles, and observed a moment of silence to honor the victims and to acknowledge the lasting impact on the community.
Officials and campus representatives were present to acknowledge the anniversary, though no new policy announcements were made. The focus of the day remained on personal remembrance rather than political commentary.
The ceremony underscored the continued relevance of the tragedy two decades later, reminding onlookers of the human cost of violence. Survivors and relatives expressed a shared resolve to keep the memory of Anastasia De Sousa and the injured alive through ongoing support and community solidarity.
The event concluded without incident, and participants dispersed after the scheduled moments of tribute. The Peace Garden returned to its everyday role as a campus oasis, bearing the imprint of the day’s collective mourning.