Defense takes the floor in murder trial of Toronto Cop

Const. James Forcillo has his gun pointed at two men lying on the ground in busy Kensington Market in a cellphone video played to the jury Thursday morning at the Toronto police officer’s murder trial.

Forcillo says he pulled out his gun when he saw the knife – as he says he was trained to – because knives are considered a “deadly threat”.

The defence expects to call several witnesses over the next three weeks, including its own use-of-force expert.

The crown wrapped up their case on Monday painting the picture of a cop who acted hesitantly in July of 2013, shooting the victim nine times striking Yatim in the heart, spine and arm.

Crown prosecutors are arguing that Forcillo’s actions weren’t necessary or reasonable, but the Forcillo’s lawyer has said his actions were justified and carried out in self-defense.

When asked what his takeaway had been from the videos, Forcillo said the clips taught him that “knives are deadly weapons that can cause serious damage”.

Forcillo’s defence lawyer pressed him for details on that particular area of his training.

A police officer on trial for killing a teen on an empty streetcar will continue to be questioned in a Toronto courtroom today.

Forcillo says he believed the teen, who was high on drugs and carrying a knife, was coming off the streetcar to attack him.

The defence is arguing Forcillo correctly followed and applied his police training throughout the 50-second standoff that ended with Yatim being shot eight times and Tasered.