Eaton Centre shooting victim says he will return to mall

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TORONTO, Ont. – One of the six people wounded in Saturday evening’s brazen shooting at the Eaton Centre said he won’t let what happened to him change his future and he plans to return to the mall.

Nicholas Kalakonis, 22, was in the food court when the gunfire began and was struck by a bullet in the leg. He was unable to see who the shooter was because the events unfolded so quickly.

“In the back of my mind, I may be more alert, but at the end of the day I’m not gonna let this affect my daily life,” Kalakonis told music station KISS 92.5 Monday morning, saying incidents like this don’t happen very often, but they could happen anywhere.

However, “the first time back to the mall might be a little bit unnerving,” he added.

Meanwhile, Eaton Centre GM Susan Allen said mall management is conducting a thorough review of security procedures, but she assured Torontonians that the shopping centre is safe.

“We would like to echo the sentiments to the police in pointing out that this was an isolated incident, although a tragic one, and to remind our customers and tenants that Toronto Eaton Centre remains a safe and welcoming shopping destination,” she said, Monday.

“From all indications and reports and from what I saw personally, our security personnel acted quickly, professionally, under very extraordinary circumstances. I am extremely proud of their response,” she added.

“We extend our hopes and best wishes to the victims for a speedy and complete recovery, and are truly thankful for all the support that the community has expressed through social media and the vigil at Yonge-Dundas Square.”

While the Eaton Centre was open for business on Monday, the food court where the shooting occurred will not be reopened until Tuesday.

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