Toronto police salute fallen officer at procession: ‘We have it from here’

Under somber, rainy skies, a motorcade escorted the body of Toronto Const. Marc Pinizzotto to a funeral home. Pinizzotto died last week after being shot while investigating multiple shootings, including an incident at the U.S. Consulate in March.

Police have charged 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett with first-degree murder in connection with Pinizzotto's death. Bennett was reportedly shot multiple times during the exchange of gunfire. Authorities are still searching for Zara Jabbi, a 19-year-old suspect wanted in the consulate shooting, and consider her armed and dangerous.

During the procession, OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk, his voice thick with emotion, addressed Pinizzotto, stating, “To Const. Marc Pinizzotto, your duty is complete. Your watch has ended, and today we escort you home. Rest in peace, Marc. We have it from here.” Sanchuk praised Pinizzotto's "unwavering courage and conviction," noting he "wore the uniform with a deep sense of responsibility, placing the needs of the citizens above his own and without hesitation."

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To Const. Marc Pinizzotto, your duty is complete. Your watch has ended, and today we escort you home. Rest in peace, Marc. We have it from here.

The OPP expressed solidarity with the Toronto force, understanding their grief. Sanchuk recalled how Toronto officers had offered support when two OPP members were recently killed in the line of duty. The article also mentions the recent deaths of OPP Const. Brandon Malcolm and OPP Const. Tarun Bali, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers.

Tributes have poured in from Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and Mayor Olivia Chow for the 43-year-old officer. The incident underscores the risks faced by police officers in the line of duty.

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Each day he wore the uniform, he did so with a deep sense of responsibility, placing the needs of the citizens above his own and without hesitation.