Ottawa police officer testifies at inquest into death of Abdirahman Abdi [Video]

The Ottawa police officer acquitted in the death of Abdirahman Abdi six years ago spoke publicly for the first time at the coroner’s inquest into the Ottawa man’s death.

Const. Daniel Montsion told the inquiry punches were intended to distract Abdi while he and a fellow officer attempted to arrest him outside a Hintonburg apartment on July 24, 2016. Montsion was found not guilty of manslaughter, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon in 2020.

Artist sketch of Const. Daniel Montsion on Nov. 22, 2024 as he testifies at the coroner’s inquest into Abdirahman Abdi’s death six years ago. (Courtesy: Greg Banning)

Montsion recounted that he responded to a call for backup to assist Const. David Weir, who was the first officer to arrive at Bridgehead coffee shop in Hintonburg, where a man reportedly groped a woman. The video of the altercation was played during Montsion’s testimony.

He said he …