Eight students who witnessed a March shooting at York University have launched a $20.5 million lawsuit against the school

On March 6, Annie Malik, 19, and Namra Malik, 20, (no relation) were injured after a gun accidentally discharged in the food court of the university’s student centre at around 10:45 p.m.

The other six students are suing for psychological damages following the incident.

They are being represented by the law firm Diamond and Diamond.

“We are alleging a pattern of negligence, we’re alleging that security has been overlooked and our allegation is that steps could have been taken and measures could have been taken,” Sandra Zisckind of Diamond and Diamond said at a televised press conference.

Annie Malik, a third-year business administration and accounting student was shot in the leg while Namra sustained a shrapnel injury. Annie spoke to the media about the incident.

“As I was hiding under the table after my friends had told me to do so because there had been a shot fired, I was praying that there wasn’t going to be another shot fired and wishing that it wasn’t something like the Colorado shooting,” said Malik. “I have a bullet still lodged in my leg and I don’t know if it will cause even worse problems later on in my life.”

“I haven’t gone back to campus [since the shooting].”

Malik told reporters that she did not see any York security guards at the scene in the moments after the shooting took place.

“Even after the firefighter and police came to the scene and attended the situation, there were no York security personnel seen anywhere,” she said. “I really feel betrayed and let down by York University as they have jeopardized the security of not only me and my friends, but over 50,000 students.”

Kemon Edwards, 22, is alleged to have been carrying a gun that accidentally discharged in the student centre and faces 17 charges including discharging a firearm and careless use of a firearm.

Among the measures that Zisckind said she will be investigating are the university’s patrol system and the campus’ accessibility.

In addition to Annie and Namra Malik, the law firm is representing six bystanders who witnessed the event, whom according to Zisckind are suffering survivor’s guilt and psychological issue.

“Why was EMS and fire on scene before security? That’s a question that needs to be answered,” she said. “You cannot express and be free if you are afraid for your safety.”

“We empathize greatly with the survivors who are suffering as a result of this terrible and random criminal activity on our campus,” said York spokesperson Joanne Rider in an e-mail to the Star.

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“York University’s first priority is to provide a safe environment where people can study, live and work. The university has a multi-year safety and security plan — this has resulted in many enhancements over the last several years, with ongoing enhancements planned.”