The man charged in connection with last month’s deadly attack at a Vancouver apartment building had previously sought financial assistance through online fundraisers, painting a complex picture of personal struggle before the tragic incident occurred.
Months before the November 11 knife attack that left one dead and six injured, including a police officer, Hassan Zouhir—the 34-year-old suspect now facing multiple charges including second-degree murder—had created GoFundMe campaigns appealing for public support amid reported family hardships.
Court records obtained by CO24 reveal Zouhir launched fundraising efforts earlier this year, including one campaign in April requesting $15,000 to cover funeral expenses for his brother, who he claimed had died suddenly. “My brother passed away unexpectedly… leaving behind a grieving family who is struggling financially to give him a proper funeral,” wrote Zouhir in the campaign description.
A second campaign initiated by Zouhir sought $20,000 for what he described as his mother’s urgent medical needs. “My mother is battling serious health issues and needs immediate financial assistance for treatment not covered by insurance,” the description stated. Neither campaign appears to have gained significant traction, with minimal donations recorded before they were removed from the platform.
Financial records associated with the case suggest Zouhir faced mounting economic pressures in the months preceding the attack. According to sources familiar with the investigation who spoke on condition of anonymity, Zouhir had accumulated substantial debt and faced housing instability—factors investigators are examining as they build a comprehensive profile of the suspect.
Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Constable Sarah Chen emphasized that while these personal circumstances are being documented, they do not explain or justify the violence. “We’re looking at all aspects of the suspect’s background, but our focus remains on the evidence related to the charges he’s facing and seeking justice for the victims,” Chen told CO24 News.
Community advocates have expressed concern about the intersection of mental health, financial hardship, and violent behavior. Dr. Amelia Ramirez, a clinical psychologist specializing in crisis intervention, noted that while economic stress can exacerbate underlying issues, it rarely leads directly to violence without other contributing factors.
“Financial hardship can certainly create tremendous stress, but the path to violence typically involves multiple factors including possible untreated mental health conditions, substance abuse issues, or exposure to violence,” explained Dr. Ramirez. “It’s important we understand these connections without oversimplifying them.”
The case has prompted renewed calls for improved mental health resources and financial support systems. City Councillor David Wong has pushed for expanded crisis intervention programs, telling CO24 Politics, “We need to identify vulnerable individuals before they reach a breaking point and provide meaningful support that addresses the root causes of distress.”
For the victims’ families, these discussions offer little consolation. Marina Leung, whose neighbor was injured in the attack, expressed frustration with the focus on the suspect’s circumstances. “While understanding factors that contribute to violence matters, nothing justifies what happened to innocent people just going about their lives,” she said.
As the case proceeds through the judicial system, financial analysts point to broader economic pressures that many Canadians face. “Rising housing costs and inflation have created unprecedented stress for many households,” noted economist Bernard Williams in an interview with CO24 Business. “When combined with insufficient mental health support, we’re seeing the social fabric become increasingly strained.”
Zouhir remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance in January. As investigators continue piecing together the events leading up to the November attack, a critical question emerges: How can our society better identify and support individuals in crisis before personal struggles potentially transform into public tragedy?
