MacSween recommended relying on police services by calling 911 immediately, as compliance often results in fewer injuries. However, his advice faced backlash from celebrities and the public, especially after a father of three was killed defending his home. American actor, producer, and director Kevin Sorbo challenged MacSween’s advice, citing two recent cases of home invasion tragedies.

Sorbo pointed out on social media platform X how a man was executed in front of his family, and a 3-year-old girl was assaulted by an intruder, critiquing MacSween’s compliance suggestion. Critics questioned the chief’s stance, with one commenter insisting that self-defense is vital and others lamenting that Canada’s gun regulations leave residents vulnerable.

Critics expressed outrage, suggesting that guns provide a better defense against intruders. Another commenter questioned the wisdom of compliance, while others mocked the country for allowing criminals free rein based on MacSween’s statement. Some critics criticized the advice as weak, especially in rural areas where residents feel particularly helpless.

Responding to the outcry, MacSween clarified that his advice aimed at saving lives during armed intrusions, emphasizing the importance of 911 calls and avoiding direct confrontation. He stressed that preserving life is a priority over material possessions, which are replaceable. His statement highlighted the unpredictability of such dangerous situations.

MacSween also expressed condolences for Abdul Aleem Farooqi’s family. Farooqi, a father of three, was fatally shot during a home invasion on August 31 while trying to defend his family. The community mourns Farooqi, described as a humble and devoted family man, in a fundraiser supporting his grieving wife and children.

York Regional Police called this a ‘targeted incident’, but stressed that there is ‘no immediate threat to public safety’. ‘At this time, it is believed that the house was specifically targeted for a robbery. We are still looking into any and all motives behind the robbery, but currently we believe this to be based on monetary gain only and that the victim was not an intended target,’ police said in an update.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the suspects ‘scumbags’ during a press conference. ‘This innocent man got his doors kicked in in the middle of the night, four people went in there — his three kids are there, his wife — had a gun to one of the kids, he went to protect them and these scumbags shot him right in front of his kids, shot him dead, twice,’ Ford said. ‘Just imagine the trauma these kids are gonna go through for the rest of their lives,’ he added. Dean Cain, a US actor who also recently decided to join the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement as an agent, appeared to agree with the sentiments that action need be taken by citizens.

Cain reposted a video of MacSween side by side with Florida’s Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd which was captioned, ‘Difference between being a victim (and) saving your life evidenced in this clip.’ Judd said in the clip that followed MacSween that ‘criminals are going to take their criminal conduct into the neighborhoods,’ as he encouraged county residents to arm themselves. ‘I would tell them if you value your life you probably shouldn’t do that in Polk County, because the people of Polk County like guns. They have guns. I encourage them to own guns,’ he said. ‘And they’re going to be in their homes tonight with their guns loaded and if you try to break into their homes to steal, to set fires, I’m highly recommending they blow you back out of the house with their guns.’

The critique of Canada’s handling of home invasions, especially violent ones, has also come from Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. In a post on X, Poilievre said: ‘The law needs to be clear. If someone invades your home, you have the right to defend your home and your family.’ The post was accompanied by a video of Poilievre declaring that during a home invasion, citizens ‘need to be able to do whatever is necessary’ to protect their family and property. Currently, Canada’s law stipulates that a homeowner may ‘safeguard themselves, others and their property as long as their defensive actions are reasonable and proportional to the circumstances,’ according to criminal law firm Dunn and Associates.

However, the Calgary-based law firm stated that the terms were incredibly ‘subjective’ making it difficult to clarify the extent of what is reasonable and proportional. MacSween furthered in his statement: ‘I understand the feelings of pain and anger boiling to the surface in our community and I understand why people feel the need to fight back and dissatisfied with any direction to do otherwise. ‘Ultimately, a citizen should do what they deem necessary to preserve their own safety, and the safety of their loved ones.’ ‘Our top priority is solving this heinous, disgusting crime and ensuring those responsible are held accountable. That’s what the Farooqi family, and all of York Region deserves,’ he concluded. The Daily Mail reached out to York Regional Police Department for comment.