Winnipeg’s Mayor Scott Gillingham will not reopen the Millennium Library until a security protocol is put in place to protect the public.. Scott Gillingham .“We have a homicide in the library. The library’s got to be safe,” said Gillingham..On Sunday, four youths are accused of stabbing Tyree Cayer, 28, to death on the first floor, where children’s books and events take place..Gillingham said the city staff are deciding what security needs to be implemented to prevent future serious crimes..“What is paramount to me, what is most important to me, is that our library is safe for all people,” said Gillingham..The library put in metal detectors and bag checks in 2019..A leftist group called Millennium for All (MfA) campaigned to get the metal detectors and bag checks removed because they were “racist.”.In 2020, the MfA group succeeded when the city removed the metal detectors and bag checks, leaving no security checks to enter the library.. Millennium for All .A comment posted to the MfA Facebook page said the group is responsible for the death because metal detectors would have prevented the four youths from entering the library..“Hope you know the stabbing that happened at the library this past weekend is partly on YOUR hands. It could have been prevented if you nutsos didn’t protest against proper security measure such as metal detectors in the building. Which is your main priority, ‘discrimination’ or safety for people’s lives?” said the post..The MfA tweeted a response to the murder at the library..“We’ve learned a community member was killed at Millennium library. This is devastating. Everyone deserves safety in the library. We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to those impacted,” said the tweet. .However, the MfA tweeted it wants “evidence-based strategies” to keep people safe..“We remain committed to evidence-based strategies for safety that are rooted in inclusion, anti-racism, and harm reduction, and we encourage council to fund them,” said the tweet..Gillingham said he is open to any security measures that make the library safe for patrons. .“I’m open to any option that may be available to the city to make sure that the library is a safe space for all,” said Gillingham..“We have to ensure that the Millennium Library, and all of our libraries, are safe spaces for Winnipeggers.”.Gillingham would like to reopen the library on Monday..The four teenagers, who range in age from 14 to 16, charged with the Cayer murder, remain in custody until they appear in court.
