Confessed B.C. rioters take abuse from online critics

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Nathan Kotylak turned himself in to police and made a public apology after pictures surfaced of him participating in the Vancouver Stanley Cup riot.

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Mon. Jun. 20 2011 8:56 PM ET

The public is showing little sympathy for the people who took part in the mayhem that erupted in downtown Vancouver last week, with some online users making a point of sending nasty messages to riot participants.

Five days after the Vancouver Canucks lost the Stanley Cup final, the spotlight remains squarely focused on the people whose destructive behaviour made the squandered hockey season an afterthought.

Vancouver police have been inundated with tips since the riot raged, while amateur sleuths have been putting names to faces on the Internet.

In a few known cases, individuals with guilty consciences have turned themselves into police but continue to take heat from angry members of the public.

Nathan Kotylak, a high school student and talented water polo player from Maple Ridge, B.C., was one of the people who took part in the riot.

Media would not normally be able to identify Kotylak, who is only 17 years old. But he got a lawyer to obtain a court order so he could offer a public apology for his actions.

On the weekend he released a statement expressing his remorse for turning "from being a spectator to becoming part of the mob mentality that swept through many members of the crowd."

Kotylak also offered an apology on Facebook, which made him the target of online venom so troubling that his family left their home for safety reasons.

"The family has been concerned for their safety," said Bart Findlay, a lawyer representing the young polo player.

"It's kind of odd because we see the mob mentality that's been shown on TV through the riot, we're experiencing very much the same thing online."

But Kotylak isn't the only person to be targeted by online users.

A university student named Camille Cacnio wrote a lengthy apology to Vancouver on her blog, admitting Sunday that she was "not proud of her actions" last week.

On her blog, Cacnio fully admits to stealing two pairs of men's pants from a store that was in the midst of being looted. She wanted to keep them as "a souvenir" of the riot that had erupted.

Like Kotylak, Cacnio was harassed and subjected to rude taunts online when her name was identified in connection with the riot.

While Cacnio has since confessed to police, she believes the public's anger "does not make the situation better."

With files from The Canadian Press and a report from CTV British Columbia

Comments are now closed for this story

Maisy
said

Most of these kids simply got caught up in the moment and did some really stupid things. Most of us have done regretable things when we were teens too. The difference is that we didn't have social media around to catch us. I do not make any excuses for what these punks did and their behaviour was awful and should be punished. Regardless of why they came forward, they did come forward and now it is up to the police and courts to investigate and prosecute them. It is not up to the public to shame them or threaten them. Hopefully their experience with the justice system will be enough to keep these kids from repeating any of this behaviour in the future. The public should step back and let the justice system run its course.

James
said

The courts must coe down hard on everyone of them. Let one off easy, then you will have to let them all off easy. Vandals, punks, thugs, stupid kids letting loose or idiots, call them what you want, but they all have one thing in common...criminal acts of theft, destruction and destruction of public property. My taxes are not being used for these morons to get off easlily, and sorry scum -your apologies mean nothing to me!

James
said

Support the police in any way we can in their efforts to bring all to justice and condemn the group actions in tone publicly but for individual Canadians to be threatening individuals only sinks to their level. Remember they will pay the price for their actions. There is no need for us to add to the black eye already temporally given to Canada by adding more hatred to the overall situation.

scott nova scotia
said

Oh PLEASE! what is with these comments about people rising and showing the government "the people rule" and liberty. Give me a break. It has nothing to do with rights and freedoms, it was Just a stupid hockey game. (gasp...I said hockey was stupid). comparing this to riots in the 60's about war and civil rights, or freedom in the middle east is a joke. pick up a history book before you make ridiculous comments.

bellesque
said

Oh, boo hoo. Poor rioters that tore up a city, burned, broke into, stole from stores, set cars on fire. And people are angry at them and they're upset by this and 'it isn't helping' says the girl who took the pants and wants to keep them as a souvenir. Get real Personally, I'm really tired of rioting people, over sports, over politics, over anything, just so they can get all their anger and venom out and destroy things. These people should be charged and prosecuted because they are destructive and they are thieves. This is disgusting behavior.

Anne
said

Here we go - the bleeding hearts again! If these hooligans are being taunted on-line, they deserve to be shamed and rebuked. I doubt very much if Nathan's family were seriously threatened. Have you seen the house they live in? No wonder people are upset about his behaviour. Somewhere in his up-bringing - his parents failed him by being too indulgent. What a different story it would have been for him had he tried to stop the evildoers. This bunch of hoodlums-gone-mad knew they were wrong - this was not some school prank so save your pius sympathy all you people. These are the adults of the future. The damage they wreaked downtown (50 businesses) was totally unacceptable and they should be punished. We all have it in us to make choices and this was the choice this lad made. No excuses for any of them. Tough love is what we need for these young adult delinquents - that's what they are. The sooner parents start taking responsibility for what their kids do the better for all of us.

vince in trenton
said

Just a thought but....Are these confessors SORRY for what they did or SORRY that it has probably been viewed by their Mother,Father , Aunts Uncles and Grandparents???? Getting caught with your face in pictures showing how stupid you can be is different than turning your self in because you feel guilty....And all you who are defending these 'URBAN TERRORISTS' , answer this ....if it were your kids in these photos would you be proud of this stupidity??? If you answered YES you must be a great example for your kids to look up to.....remember they didn't get caught pissing in public, they were torching Police cars and robbing stores......

Dean in Ont
said

Sure, give them a second chance.. ONLY AFTER they have been tried and convicted in accordance with Canadian law, then helped repair and/or pay for their share of the damage, then serve some jail time. Once they've made amends with civil society THEN AND ONLY THEN they can have their second chance.

Devil's Advocate
said

@David: Canadian military history shows we have never, withdrawn, surrendered, or otherwise been defeated... ever. Look to that for inspiration if you want to see the 'fire in our bellies'. As for this rioting aftermath, good. Now they are getting a lesson in accountability for their actions. Far more effective than jail I think... (with some exceptions of course)

CapitalPupet
said

It is ok to express oneself once in a while!I have no sympathy for these people, but I also have no sympathy for police brutality..... Vancuver and Montreal police is known to over exaggerate when handling stuff like this ( guess what.... In both cities there have been riots and police car burning after a hockey game) .... I wonder if there is a connection there?

glen
said

this was all premeditated. the legal problem here photo or video evidence is not the silver bullet. as if the criminal doesnt want to cooperate then case dismissed. but in cases such as the water polo player. the parents are rich. let them pay for a new police cruiser.

KLS
said

I would find the water polo kid's apology a little more believable if his family was writing a cheque to the VPD to pay for a new vehicle instead of writing one to some lawyer to try and save their son's future. (I wonder how hard it was to get a court order allowing your name to be made public when it had already gone around the world a few times on the internet? There was money well spent.)The internet response to the rioters is more likely an indication of just how tired Canadians are with the lenient judicial system and all the bleeding hearts out there who don't ever want to see anyone punished. If after all this that kid does make the canadian olympic team, it would not surprise me to see banners of him by that police car brought to games, if not by Canadians then by other countries' fans.Oh, and calling people "just as bad as the rioters" for posting nasty comments is simply ridiculous, but that's okay. Those who make nasty comments can just say they got caught up in the internet mob mentality and then offer up an apology.More likely, this is an indication of how fed up Canadians are with

Marilyn
said

@ DavidI agree it's about time Canadians show a little passion and make the establishment shake in their boots. This is fantastic for democracy and a reminder that the people rule the roost..not the politicians. They need to know if you shaft the people of Canada you might just hear them roar louder than you expected them to.

Cydric
said

I can just imagine some of you in a revolution where it's a matter of survival to act up and protest. You would be so busy apologizing that you be useless to either side. Canada is just another country in this screwed up world. You can't be in the sandbox and stay clean forever. Welcome to the world Canada! (sarcasm intended)

Jayme
said

MistakesInSaskYes they need to learn and grow up from this letting them off with nothing no jail time etc they likely are not going to grow up and learn from this maybe the odd one will but thats it.For those that were just standing around doing nothing ok maybe a couple hours community services the more serious ones be it the burning of police cars looting etc they have to or atleast should face some jail time.

MCW
said

Canada needs a good jolt and shakeup of reality. Putting the fear of the people into the elites might just make them behave a little better. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny..when the government fears the people, there is liberty!

Jayme
said

KellyPart of the issue with your logic is a a fair amount of times when there are riots and protests its not about beeing poor in fact a fair amount more then likely are well off not all but a fair amount.In countrys around the world that are in big trouble people complain about not beeing able to get a job min wage etc in canada people complain about not getting a high paying job in short canada is in far better shape then most conuntrys..

Chris, Alberta
said

@ DavidYou mistake teen-age angst and stupidity for passion. Passion is not manifested in destruction and violence but in creativity and cooperation. I hope you learn the difference for your own sake. No wonder you admire it - you don't know any better.

David Fraser Nanoose Bay BC
said

I hope these rioters don't think a public apology will make things better. Most of them are sorry...sorry that they got caught. Besides any jail time and or fines, I think they all should do at least 1000 hours of community service. The costs for the clean up,damages and cost of the stolen merchandise should be the responsibility of the parents.

Daniel From Toronto
said

she wanted to take them as souvenirs? or possibly to sell them or re-gift them instead. What's with these kids... Where's the parents? Who's paying the damage?

full_instructor
said

I do not hear remorse in any of the statements of those involved in the riots. They got caught and now they feel there might be repercussions. The information age is a great thing, the world gets to see your stupidity very quickly and nothing you do can stop it from traveling through the information network. You reap what you sow. As many have stated, you did the crime, now you are going to do the time.

David
said

As a Canadian I'm a little sick of the world seeing us as overtly polite/politically correct pushovers. I was rather impressed with the passion shown by the rioters that Canadians do indeed have a little fire in their belly and aren't afraid to make a mess. Different perspective on what is an all too predictable opinion against it.

ian
said

I think it's easy for this water polo player to "come clean" and fall on his sword now that his photo is splashed all over the place. The fact that he would even dare try to light a police car on fire, which by the way could have caused serious harm to himself or others, is a testament to his true character. Some people say that they are just kids and don't really understand what they're doing, but my 11 year old son knows it's wrong to try to set a police car or any car for that matter, on fire.

thingsthatmakemegohmm
said

i find it strange that the people so vehemently determined to see the guilty parties suffer are those who seem most likely to succumb to the mob mentality, while those who are less susceptible to it are more likely take a philosophic and forgiving view.

Pokey, Ontario
said

These people are rioters. The ones who have come forward and said "sorry", plus all others that are identified should be arrested, charged. and sent to jail. They should be made to pay for damages. "Sorry" does not help the business owners who had their businesses damaged and stuff stolen. These stupid people have damaged the reputation of Vancouver and Canada.

dan from surrey
said

I am glad these people got found out. After a public apology and criminal proceedings they should be given a second chance.

Jill
said

Boo hoo, welcome to the real world where you are expected to suffer the consequences of your actions

Terry
said

Oh boo hoo to all you whining about the bad kids. Would love to dig up your past history and check out what all of you did or have been up to in your cache of crazy stuff. We've all got skeletons in our closets stop acting like your above it.

MarkusAurelius
said

I think those of us who are judgemental and self-righteous need to take a back seat on commenting on or harassing those that are guilty of rioting in Vancouver. It happened, get over it. You can't change anything by getting angry and harassing and threatening them. All they are doing is making a bad situation worse, engaging in high-school level taunting sessions. Justice must be served but please remember: people do make mistakes, especially in large groups.

Rev in VC
said

Also to add, I also think the anger by the public is still high because none of these riot participants have actually done anything to redeem themselves. Like help clean up the mess or pay restitution. The restitution part seems like a catch 22 at this point since most of these people don't have a job or lost what work they had as a result.

Rev in VC
said

I believe the public anger is focused on the fact that if these people had not been caught on camera and identified, they probably never would have been caught and gotten away with it. It is the general consensus that these people wouldn't be sorry if they hadn't been caught. Unfortunately too much public anger is being placed on the people who have been caught and turned themselves in, and not on the people who have NOT come forward yet. There are still a lot of participants who have yet to be identified and they did a lot worse than Nathan or Camille which is saying something about how bad these guys are.

B.J.
said

No doubt the water polo player is feeling remorse, however he did what he and others did. For someone to burn cars and break windows deliberately is pure vandalism. He said he got caught up in the moment, well to all those who were involved, take the consequences for your actions. He not only has shamed himself but his family. Many of those rioters came to the game to riot not watch or support. How many people go to a game with backpacks, only those who want to don masks and carry tools etc to damage property. Throw them all in jail, time in the big house may be the lesson they need. I think when there is to be big events eg Olypics, Stanley cup, Grey cup etc the city hosting needs to have the army assist the crowds, so they can better help the police in all this madness.

Patriotic in Winnipeg
said

At least in the Kotylak case, it's not like he came forward before his identity was known. He was feeling the heat, his father needed to suspend his medical practice, and his family feared for their safety. The public apology came AFTER this. I disagree with his father's comparison to the public being upset being the same as 'mob mentality' - it's more of a case of wanting criminals to experience natural and legal consequences.

Disappointed
said

Spare the rod, spoil the child. Here is what we get for all those time-outs. It's time corporal punishment was brought back. Perhaps the youth would behave. Obviously the parents of these youth were those who played a role in 94' and they weren't spanked either.

Down with the lynch mob!!!
said

I'm really sick of this Lynch mob mentality, you're just as bad as some of the rioters!Not all these kids are bad people, community work would be better than spending tax dollars on prison time. We all make mistakes, we were all young and stupid at one time. I don't agree with what went on during the riots, but I also don't agree that jail time will re-hab a person that's never been in trouble either. Go after the idiots that were really destructive, I'm sure many of these people that lost their mind for 20 seconds are regretting it now. I'd be watching my back and worrying!

KevinHamilton
said

With all do respect, if these people weren't identified online, they would have never gotten away with what they did: stealing, vandalizing, and making Vancouver and Canada look bad on an international level. If public shaming is what happens, then so be it. If you don't want to look like a moron and ruin your life, don't do stupid things in public with hundreds of cameras recording your actions. If you're going to make the beautiful city of Vancouver and our beautiful country look bad, it's nice to know who took part so we can judge them accordingly.

Helga
said

I don't think this riot defines a person's entire life. Give up the high horse rants.

Dan Sarrasin
said

Sheesh. Did these people expect a round of applause for falling for the trigger of violence and being a part of the riot? I think the judge should throw the book at these losers.

Susan
said

Some of you act like you're Hyacinth Bucket from Keeping Up Appearances with your condemnation towards the Vancouver Kid Rioters. I'm sure you were all little darlings too when things didn't go your way or you were angry teens?

ken, burnaby
said

Public shamming is more of a penalty then time in jail or a fine. The fine needs to be at least double the cost of the damages to be effective, and public shamming has no cost to the public. Leave the family and place of work out of the equation. They are not part of the problem. An employer is not responsible for their worker on their time off. The people that turn in the law breakers, should be applauded, and if it is family, then they are even bigger heroes for their bravery. The family feels the shame every bit as much as the culprit, probably even more.

Randy
said

I rioted back I 94 but wasn't caught. today I have a good job and mortgage payments. This reminds me of my youth. Crazy times. Today instead of rioting ive become like most Canadians - feigning revolution while cheating on my taxes.

MistakesInSask
said

I deplore what the rioters did, but for those of you who claim "do the crime, do the time", what is the right amount of time? In the digital age where these peoples names will forever be linked to the riot through our various search engines, they will "do time" forever. I don't think that is right for a mistake. Let them take responsibility and allow them to payback society appropriately, learn and grow to become solid members of society. We ALL made mistakes in our teens that, if we are lucky, do not stay with us our entire lives. I don't support their initial actions, but I respect their courage to publicly apologize.

Gene
said

And to those critical of the rioters - where and what were you doing during the riots of the 1960s?

Dixie from Alberta
said

Here's hoping the justice system will not take these matters lightly and give these "terrorists" a slap on the wrist. If it has ruined a few aspiring careers - too bad. Todays generation has got to learn that there really are consequences for your unlawful actions and these acts may follow you for many years from now. Probably won't do it again. Saying sorry only has meaning when you step up to the plate & pay for the damages you have done.

Bob's Your Uncle
said

Boo-hoo-hoo. Cry me a river. Vandals should not be physically hurt, etc, but being publicly vilified, verbally abused, and generally ridiculed is fair game. They brought it on themselves. Not surprising though, since I believe that most people are basically stupid. Their actions prove my theory right, at least to a great extent.

Kelly
said

For you arm chair critics don't get too complacent sitting in your posh homes with your high falutin opinions of the rioters rage. You're going to see more of it than you bargain for because the world is in financial crisis and more people are being driven into the poor house. Wake up and smell the "real" world and get off your high horse!

Anna
said

Long live youth and the exuberance to get off their asses and give Big Brother a piece of their minds! Canada is a democracy and the freedom to demonstrate is part of that! It may not be pretty but that's democracy! We don't live in communist China!

Granny-Go-Go
said

I side with the knowledge and fact that young and people in general do make and learn from their mistakes and will be stronger because of it. Although serious, it was all fun and games at the time and through education and reprimand they will continue to grow and have more in life. We are quick to throw the book at people but young lives should not be destroyed over a few bad choices and misguidance.

Salt and Vinegar
said

No apology needed or requested - just pay the bills on the damage you caused. Pay up - now. Make it right. Apologies do not pay the bills. This is physical damage caused by criminal behavior.

rick
said

Do these kids realize how much of their parent's retirement savings will go to pay a lawyer to lessen the effects of foolish behavior?

Gorg
said

It's like this, or at least should be, you commit the crime, you should do the time. Or at least pay dollars for the damages. Causing a wreckage wilfully, no matter where, is not acceptable. To the destructive rioters, would you treat your own home that way??

scott nova scotia
said

I hope that swimmer is never going to make it on our Canadian Olympic team. He is a very poor example of what the Olympics represent.And not a good example of Canadians. Kids should not have someone like this to look up to. His family said he was not the one who actually lit the car on fire. Well it is not from a lack of trying.

George Carter
said

"Mob Mentality" is generally associated with more spur of the moment type actions...like throwing rocks and breaking things readily available at hand. I am not condoning it, that is just the way it is. What Mr. Water Polo did took a little more thought than just randomly breaking something. To stuff the gas tank and try and light it took longer than just picking up a rock and throwing it through the nearest window. That took time and it took patience...that's what makes it inexcusable and that is why so many here are not buying it.

Will S.
said

I don't think Camille or the others really understand the impact of what they participated in. I don't hear real remorse. There is no way to rationalize or deflect the blame for burning a police car in Canada and thieving pants as a memento of all the fun she was having just says so very much about her. Both these kids should do jail time.

Martin
said

Oh really listen to some of you pompous clowns condemning these rioters you sure sound so "altruistic" like you were good little angels. Remember the 60s when your hippie world was in a constant flux of rage and now you all live in million dollar homes pontificating like it's something foreign to you! Don't make me laugh..spare me your soapbox because if you're parents (elderly now) could talk I'm sure they would be telling the truth on your youth and the crisis you put them through. But now your part of "Club Elite" - don't pee on my leg and tell me it's rain!

steve
said

i don't buy all this BS about been sorry and they should pay dearly for what they did. what we really need here is the people who took the pictures to appear in court as witnesses and tell the judge exactly what they seen. they say a pcture is worth a thousand words but can you actually tell from the picture of this twit that he was actually the one that set the rcmp cruser on fire.if it was him that set the fire will it be him that pays for the police car. i bet it will be the tax payers.

Paul
said

Do the crime, do the time, is the way of the world. They will have to take their lumps. Maybe that will make others think in the future, maybe not, probably not. Also, if they have apologized and made restitution, then really nobody has a right to point a finger at them anymore. That is the whole basis of repentance in Christianity, once you repent and make your wrongs into rights, you are forgiven and your sin is forgotten forever. It is blotted out to be rememberred no more. That is supposed to be the basis of the criminal justice system and the whole idea of rehabilitation. Our society is just the opposite it seems, once you repent you have your face rammed into the mud till the day you die. Too bad we don't have more Christians out there. It is the ones who have not repented that should be the targets of the media and the police. And there are lots and lots of them.

George in Calgary
said

No sympathy but the legal guys have already stated there is a problem with the use of the photos. My guess is that should any of this come before the courts that it will all be thrown out due to some technicality. Next time police semi-automatic rifles with rubber bullets!! That way the perps will at least be bruised. For those that might get conficted; the penalty: no time but must divide up the total cost of the clean-up and looting etc.

doug
said

These yoyos live at home with mommy and daddy. You see, they simply could not afford to live on their own or to find a job that would even buy them a taco.So, mommy and daddy should have to take their responsibilities one step further and be compelled to pay for their progenies crimes against us.They have no courage and are only confessing because they have been caught with their grimy little hands in the cookie jar.Hit them hard!!

Tyler
said

Live in denial all you want but the Vancouver riot had some ingredients of the rage around the world over elite leaders putting us all in the poor house. You're all foolish to attribute this to just drunken game loss rage. You'll find out.

Ryan, Guelph
said

How fast would he be to forgive someone who intentionally burned his car, if they gave him an apology?

boy
said

Put yourself in his shoes. You would of done the exact thing! Everyone deserves a second chance!

Brad in B.C.
said

People who threaten the safety of those who have been identified and their families are no better than the thugs themselves. We have all seen the true character of these looting scumbags and we must behave better than them.

DON
said

People who squeel on other people should be behind bars as well.Let the cops do their own work.That's why they get paid the big bucks.

Shawn in Mtl
said

I can�t help but wonder that those that are apologizing and coming forward are doing it because they really do feel sorry, or are just sorry they got caught? In today�s society of Phone/Cameras and instant upload to social media, anyone stupid enough to involve themselves in ANY level of criminal activity (at the end of the day, that�s what it is) deserves to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Period. No exceptions. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. While I do appreciate that it does take courage to come forward, �sorry� is not enough.That said, threats and harassment towards those that have stepped forward or been named is NOT the answer. Anyone who makes threats or inflicts any damage towards the original perpetrators is no better than the those who rioted and vandalized in the first place, and to should be prosecuted.Time for everyone to grow up!

Sam C
said

Mob mentality is a valid explanation, but does NOT excuse anyone's behaviour. There were many more people who kept their wits about them and did not participate in the mayhem. Apologies are a start, but we need to see some consequences and an attempt to make some amends for their actions.

Cam in Grande Prairie
said

May I suggest that being treated badly with harsh words is nothing in comparison to the millions of dollars damage done. If you vandalized cars, broke windows, assaulted law abiding citizens and stole because it was easy...you deserve very harsh treatment! Don't come up with lame excuses like crowd mentality getting to you...or that you wanted a souvenir. You deserver time in a crowded prison just as a souvenir of your actions of course...nothing less!!

Lucy
said

Rioters... looters etc. etc.Whjy don't you put all that extra "energy" you have into something worthwhile - like helping the elderly, or join the army where you can really be destructive!

Jaid in Toronto
said

Until they (criminals) have an action plan on how to stop such acts of destruction in the laws that allow citizens to act like Good Samaritans, I decline the apology. You can't ask for forgiveness when all you've done is cause damage.

Chris_Toronto
said

These people need to be made an example of. No sympathy should be given what so ever for a confession and/or apology. You had your fun, now it's time to pay the price.

Marc
said

What do they expect? Their hockey team lost a game. Who in their right mind says "Oh, our team lost, let's go light things on fire and loot."? They're idiots, plain and simple, and deserve no respect at all.

André
said

Make no mistake this riot in Vancouver had more to do with just kids drinking wildly and losing a game. There's an undercurrent of rage around the world over financial collapse and where we are all headed in the future. Sure alcohol and game loss encouraged agitation but deep in the minds of many there is a rage against our institutions/powers that be/government and you can see it manifest itself in Greece/Spain/England/Egypt/Tunisia etc. The world's youth are angry at tne New World order and Global economic crisis and it will get worse no matter how much you pretend it's an "isolated" incident.

Tamara
said

Although I don't agree with people acting in the same manner as the rioters. However, that being said I have absolutely not an ounce of pity for anyone who rioted or their families. Too bad so sad, they should have used their brains and grasped right from wrong at the time. Nobody forced them to conduct themselves like MORONS! My dearest Father had a great saying "You made your bed, lie in it"

RS
said

The violence was unfortunate in our city, and the rioters were severely misguided. But the people who are now -abusing- them in whatever way they can manage? Just as bad in my book. You shame us all just as much. You are a shame to Vancouver just as much.

Ed in Alberta
said

This is fantastic and overdue: society is using "social networking" to punish those who break society's rules for social behaviour. If the courts can't do it then society will.

Abdula from Kanata
said

No excuses for criminal behavior no amount of mob enthusiasm or mentality would make me light a police cruiser on fire. Spare me the I'ms sorry I admit I'm wrong crap if you loot trash police cars etcc... you're a thug plain and simple.

Always Canadian
said

Please do not turn Canada into another US with riots and looters (thieves).

Obsserverman
said

FREE SPEECH IS A RIGHT. Nobody likes mobs looting stores, smashing windows or setting squad cars on fire. However, reason seems to take a holiday when a mob swings into action. While rioting is abhorrent behavior, employers and sports organizations should not act as courts by punishing people without looking at all the evidence. I saw a young man in tears over his firing by his boss because he posted some comments, which the employer did not like, a move that goes against free speech, a right that is enjoyed by all Canadians. Other forms of vigilantism by some well-meaning employers over the riots have also come to light. As deplorable as the vandalism of the rioters are, actions taken by some employers, a move reflecting vigilantism, is equally disturbing.

Retired in Burlington
said

Get a total cost of all the damage and divide it by the number of rioters. Make them or their parents, if they are underage pay their share of the damages. depending on who did what jail time should also be considered. I do not beleive any of their apologies as everyone says their "sorry" after they have been caught if the media did not publish the fact that the police were checking security cameras nobody would have turned themselves in. Make them pay the price for their actions.

Fair's fair
said

While an apology per se is not enough, uttering threats and targeting this man's family displays exacly the same mentality that started and fed these riots in the first place.

WatchDawg
said

No sympathy here at all for any of these individuals. Koodoos to all those members of the public who are outing these individuals through the soical media.What more can be done? I'm thinking the Federal gov't should step up as well. Anoy of these persons found guilty of offence and are landed immigrants, here's your walking papers and a plane ticket back to your country of origin. Don't call us, we will let you know when you can come back for your deportation hearing.For the rest, I like the pink jailhouse outfits, and a walk down the Vancouver in a march of shame, after your jail time,. Don't call us, we will call you when your

Bryan
said

Nice to see a few have taken their lead out of the Terrorist Handbook, "take responsibility for the terrorist act that you commit".

Craig from NS
said

The only sympathy I have, is that this individual went out of his way to get a court ban lifted to identify him. If he was less of a person he would have hidden behind the Young Offenders Act (or whatever it is called these days). I do believe in the existence of "mob mentality". I have seen it on countless occasions, but it should not override "right versus wrong".

Paul from Vancouver
said

The nature of the internet is that the photos etc. will be uploaded to many other web sites and servers all over the world. THE PHOTOS ARE PERMANENT.Future girlfriends, boyfriends, employers etc. will always have access to them no matter what the courts dictate because the courts cannot control the internet..You will have to explain your behaviour to your kids, new friends etc. for a long time.My point is, the internet is shame can be more punishment than the courts' fines and community work.A good lesson for all of us to remember.

Dean in Abby
said

"mob mentality" is just socialist psycho-babble for, It wasn't my fault. What a load of crap. Out them all, make them pay for the damage, give them all criminal records and let it be a deterrent for others. There has to be cost associated with stupid acts. You did it, don't cry for sympathy from us. You get none.

Let's Be Rational
said

This young man DOES NOT deserve our sympathy nor any lenience. In fact I believe he himself stated it. And I agree with many others that the FULL WEIGHT of the LAW should come down upon him as a consequence of his actionsWhat is lacking from the general population is the ability to refocus our priorities and look at the situation again with reason. TRUE – his actions could have hurt/killed others, yet he has come forward. TRUE – his publicity online probably had a major factor in his decision to come forward. But he CHOSE to take a harsher road and reveal himself entirely to the public INSTEAD of hiding behind the flawed and unjust YOUNG OFFENDERS ACT. In my opinion, this does demonstrate a degree bravery and character.THE DIFFERENCE IS – we do not have to admire him for it. I acknowledge that he is coming forward and that his gesture to take FULL responsibility is appreciated. APPRECIATION DOES NOT EQUAL FORGIVENESS. What would you rather have? The young man who foolishly commits a crime and confesses completely? Or the one who would hide behind the young offender’s act, have his identity PROTECTED, and still plead NOT GUILTY as a slap in the face to the public despite all the evidence on Facebook and Twitter?Choose our battles. These people may be coming forward after the fact, and that doesn’t make them any less guilty. Let the system deal with them from that point. But I believe public hatred should then be re-focused on the ones who continue to hide as cowards.

Bucko buster
said

Apologize all you want there are CONSEQUENCES to pay for your actions just like life itself bucko.

Janine
said

While I do not agree the families of these individuals should be threatened I think they, along with their offspring should have to pay for the damage that was done. I wonder how many of them will open their pockets and pay their portion along with their apology?

Geoff
said

"Crowd mentality" is NEVER a defendable position for irresponsible stupid anarchist type behaviour. Let the law flex its muscle and bring convictions where possible. These kinds of ignorant actions are unacceptable and intolerable. PERIOD, NO EXCUSES.

5 Open End Eggrolls - Ottawa
said

One can say all they want once they are caught...sorry won't cut it...and hopefully you learn from doing what you did and lose the scholarship and get kicked off the polo team...no doubt you won't be as your from a wealthy family...it would be someone who isn't that wouldn't be given a 2nd chance..no doubt you will be....life just isn't fair at times so suck it up and move on....

The difference between right and wrong?
said

It's too bad that a moments rash decision, likely heavily influenced by alcohol consumption, has affected their lives but what did they expect? This was a riot started by a couple of dozen professional anarchists that fed off the drunken mob mentality. Thousands participated, hundreds of thousands did not. I have no sympathy for those that did but unfortunately the professionals that instigated this riot, the ones wearing disguises and carry bear mace, will likely never get caught. It's just the "useful idiots" bearing the brunt of it.

Robb in Nanaimo
said

An apology made only after getting caught is not an apology. Had he never been identified and vilified by the public, and the lives and livelihoods of his parents gone unaffected, there would have been no apology. The ONLY reason he feels any level of remorse whatsoever is because his actions were made public., and now his is a defendant in the court of public opinionCharacter is knowing what is right, from the beginning. Integrity is choosing to act on that knowledge, even if no one is there to witness it.

Tom
said

Rioters and looters must be held accountable for their unacceptable social behaviour.

Happy American
said

People shpuld not forget what is the root cause of the riot. Had Luongo not turned into a porous basket case, then Vancouver would have easily won the Stanley Cup and therefore no violent riot required by Vancouver fans.

caper1981
said

I do not condone the violence that took place and yes he should be punished by the law. As far as saying that he gets what he deserves when it comes to this online bullying is ridiculous. These people who are making his family feel unsafe at home are just as bad as he is. Everyone knows what has been done now and legal actions can now take place.

Chris
said

It sickens me to hear their sniveling apologies. I want to see monetary compensation for the damage they have done.

Marilyn Bolger
said

How dare they tarnish the reputation of Canada. Throw the book at them all, no excuses accepted, they should also be made to pay for the damage they did. Stamp this kind of behaviour out once and for all by giving really stiff punishmnets.

Lori
said

The witch hunt has taken over the Internet in another form of mob mentality. There are SEVERAL studies out there that show that once good abiding citizens are part of larger, unruly crowds, one CAN drop rationality and go along with what everyone else is doing that may be deemed inappropriate. This is because of a sense of "excitement" in doing something they have never done before. I am not condoning their actions, however... You people continuously sit online and judge people as if you've never made a mistake. I find some people have been even worse online than in person. You people say things I bet you don't even have the courage to say to these people's faces because you're shielded by a screen. Let the police prosecute these people. Help them identify them. But do NOT throw in racist, homophobic and downright nasty comments about the perpetrators and their family. THANK GOD no one was killed. And with that being said, no one was! Yes, the city was destroyed, but it could of also been so much worse! Take all this pent up anger you all have and volunteer, stop focusing all your energy on this negativity. These people apologized, so let it go. The people that can forgive show far more strength than those that can't. The people that attack these people on the Internet are also no better than the rioters themselves.

Sharon
said

There are plenty of criminals in jail that are really sorry for their actions. Suck it up. After a certain age, sorry for stupid actions just doesn't make it all better.

Mary Magdalene
said

Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.

Canucks Fan
said

No sympathy here either. It was their decision to loot, riot, destroy property. I am tired of people blaming it on mob mentality. The individuals are to blame. They should have to pay for it until every last cent is returned to the taxpayers.

yolanda
said

They only appologized because they were caught. That doesn't really count.

Dolores
said

He is only now saying he is sorry as now it is affecting him, and his future plans. Awe too bad, he should never have done it no one was hold a gun to his head, it was his decision. Too bad the pictures says it all. Your guilty and now have to face all the legal and moral consequences that go along with your actions. As a Canadian I do not accept his I am sorry as think he thinks that will make it all go away and he can continue on his future plans.

I don't buy that load of garbage...
said

Why should the public feel sympathy for these people? They took part in destructive, abusive and illegal activities, that makes me sick every time I think about it, and ashamed that these people have tainted what Canadians are known for around the world. To blame their actions on the fact that they fell victim to the "mob mentality" that was going on around them is an insult to reason and logical thinking. If we were to participate in the chaos around us whenever it were to occur, we would be living in a constant barbaric state. What really frightens me is the total lack of respect for human life and safety. What if that police car that was being lit on fire had exploded and killed another human being? The excuse that these people made some "bad decisions" wouldn't cut it in my book. And frankly, they deserve to face the consequences of their actions, both legally and whatever else comes their way online.

Travis (Barrhaven)
said

The public has a right to be angry, and to vocalize.The fact that the hooligans are now in the public eye, and are feeling the pressure/hate is probably a good thing. Perhaps they will think twice before reducing themselves to a form of life lower than that which grows on the bottom of the barrel.I do hope that Canadians refrain from harassment, and threats. You only have to tell someone you are disgusted with them once.I'm glad none of those creeps are my friends. Of course, if they were, it would be a prime way to carve the facebook friends list down a bit.

Brent
said

Kinda reminds me of when the Sask Roughrider fans dumped all that manure on their field goal kicker's lawn. People are mean.

Laurie
said

Sorry is not good enough. Reparation is necessary.

KLK50
said

Do those who participated in the riots really think that an apology, which is easy to give, but difficult to judge the sincerity of, will simply make things better and that all will be forgiven? Further, would they have made those apologies if they hadn't been outted? Somehow I doubt it.A clear picture of an outted rioter kissing the bare backside of a police officer would be more sincere than their lawyer-enhanced apologies, but fortunately police officers are too honourable for pictures like that.

nblobstr
said

Very brave to say you are sorry in such a public way, and he deserves to be recognized for that. However, what he did was more serious than just stealing a pair of pants - heis pictured lighting a RCMP car on fire. "Sorry" should not, and will not, get him a not guilty verdict. Teens make mistakes, and there are serious consequences to those mistakes sometimes.

viral venus
said

Some shaming, taunting and legal consequences are appropriatte and expected and may help spur their "rehabilitation" but those who are making threats of violence against known rioters and their families should also be reminded that sort of thugish behaviour is equally illegal and shameful and should also be punished. If we are not, as we claim, a nation of thugs and destroyers then we should not tolerate that sort of behaviour against anybody. Police should take note of who makes these threats since they just as likely to be troublemakers at some point as the rioters.

sandy
said

just what did these people expect by going public we will not forget or forgive them for what they did.the only thing they were sorry for was that they got caught. these are the people who should have been made to clean up the down town area. of course the tax payers will have to pay for most of the damage done by ideots like them.

Donny in Edmonton
said

The constant shaming of the rioters is a double-edged sword. Not only can it deter people from joining in such a shamful display in the future, but it can also deter guilty parties looking to make amends from coming forward. Yes, the people involved in the riots should be punished appropriately. But, let's greet the confessors a little more cordially and recognize their efforts to do the right thing by taking the lumps that the courts give them. We shouldn't make their efforts to atone any more difficult than they already are. As for those who refuse to come forward, I say let them have it as harsh as you can dish out.

dean
said

No sympathy here.Everyone of these cowards should have their face diplayed prominantly.Afterall, they are the ones responsable for all the senseless destruction.Now if only the police will prosecute these thugs to the fullest extent of the law, and judges mete out more than just a slap on the wrist justice may be served.Send them east to Boston where decent people put on a great rally, without all of the foolishness of west coast bullies.

disgusted canadian
said

You break the law, you accept the consequences. You've angered millions of local residents, you've destroyed dozens of local businesses and the provincial government swore that justice will be served. They promised that no names will be hidden from public record and those who performed these acts will have to accept the wrath of the general public. My heart doesn't bleed for the rioters and hopefully the courts won't either. There were some citizens who tried to prevent what you did, you beat them to a pulp for that and continued your riot. You should feel guilty. You are guilty. Public apologies shouldn't weigh in on your sentence either. Being a minor shouldn't weigh in on your sentence. Throw the book at them and make it all public record. I have no sympathy for the rioters and little for those who come forward in hope that we'll forgive them and the courts will go easy on them. Minimum sentence should be a year community service in the downtown core with evenings and weekends.

Wendy
said

The City of Vancouver owes Canada an apology for tarnishing our international reputation.

Bards
said

Rioters complaining of unprovoked attacks and unfair treatment? My irony meter just exploded.

Lindsay
said

These people have the courage to stand up and admit that they've done something wrong. If they are willing to apologize and make amends for their actions, why do people need to continue to critisize them?

Steven from Ottawa
said

While I do not condone violence in anyway, I guess it feels different now that these people are on the other side of the mob. This idiot Nathan who had a future planned for him ruined everything out of mere stupidity and really, what if someone got hurt? Or died? An apology is suppose to make up for it? WHat about all the damage? An apology makes up for it? FOLKS READ THIS: YOU DO STUPID THINGS, STUPID THINGS HAPPEN TO YOU!

Borpo
said

These lawyers are really pathetic. First he's says it "refreshing" to see the young man take resposibility (only because he was caught no doubt). - You know what's really refreshing? Not rioting in the 1st place!!!This kid needs to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

lee
said

The Court of Public Opinion.... worse than anything. Too bad you didn't know/think of that before hand.

MAL of TO
said

And we're supposed to feel sorry for these folks, who probably began confessing after noting their images on CTV news or after being suspended by their sport, They embarrassed a great city and deserve a little cyber-bullying in return.

ian in Ottawa
said

I'm sorry doesn't cut it...you willingly broke the law and the norms of society and now you feel like you are beeing picked upon for your actions. You can't have it both ways - you will have to pay the piper for your deeds and that price may include the public shame you deserve.

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It is about time - as a grandparent I have watched our kids (who were allowed to fail although I do remember some nagging on our part) learn, I have watched our children now micro-manage their children. A big part of it is the fact that there are predators out there and an extreme reluctance on the parents part to alllow freedom that might result in the children becoming victims.

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