Mother of man killed at Millennium Library welcomes security enhancements
CBC
The mother of a man who was killed at Winnipeg's Millennium Library in December welcomes the enhanced security and metal detectors that will be in place when it reopens Monday, but hopes her son will be remembered as more than a murder victim.
Tyree Cayer, 28, was fatally stabbed on Dec. 11, 2022, and four teens between the ages of 14 and 16 have been charged in his death.
"We can't sit and pretend this didn't happen. I'm glad that they're putting security measures in place," said Tyree's mother Tania Cayer in an interview on Sunday.
The City of Winnipeg announced last week a walk-through metal detector and metal detector wands will be in place for all visitors entering the branch. The city called this an interim measure while the municipal government waits on recommendations stemming from a comprehensive risk and security audit of the facility.
There will be police officers on site and extra security guards as well.
Tania welcomes those measures if they will prevent future deaths.
"If it's at that point where it's people's safety [at risk], then we have to do what we need to keep people safe," she said.
In 2020, the City of Winnipeg scrapped the airport-style security measures following a public outcry about the library becoming less accessible to certain members of the community.
Tania says she's torn when it comes to security.
She supports safety measures, but she also understands how someone's entire life and belongings are carried in their bags, so it would be a lot to ask for some.
Even so, she feels strongly about the need to ensure people's safety.
"I'm offended that my son got killed. I'm offended. So for people to say that they're offended that they can't bring in their backpack, it kind of disgusts me. It's like, well then don't go to the library."
She said she's also disappointed she hasn't heard from the city or library about her son's death.
More than anything, Tania wants her son remembered as more than the man who was stabbed at the library or the city's 51st homicide victim of 2022.