'A freeze response of shock': Expert weighs in on bystanders not stepping in during fatal Vancouver stabbing
After a man was fatally stabbed outside of a Vancouver Starbucks in front of dozens of witnesses, video of the attack is circulating on social media, raising questions about why nobody stepped in to help.
Paul Schmidt, 37, was stabbed in front of his fiancée and his three-year-old daughter after an argument with another man on Sunday. A GoFundMe set up to help his young family has now reached more than $100,000.
His mother said the argument started because Schmidt asked the man not to vape near his daughter.
Graphic video of the attack has been circulating online, showing bystanders watching and filming, but not stepping in to help. One man in particular is seen casually drinking his coffee moments after Schmidt was stabbed.
According to clinical counsellor Robert Grigore, it’s an understandable response.
“Most likely, this gentleman is in a freeze response of shock,” Grigore said. “His nervous system is overwhelmed, he's not quite processing what’s happening. He’s just doing auto-pilot.”
When it comes to witnessing traumatic and stressful incidents, Grigore said people have three natural responses, “fight, flight, and then freeze.”
He also raised concerns about members of the public viewing the raw video, with something so traumatic possibly leading to PTSD.
“You can’t not see it,” he said. “Just watching you could have nightmares, flashbacks, start to feel uneasy. You might be hyper vigilant, looking around when you’re walking on the street.”
The attack, meanwhile, is reigniting concerns that Vancouver is not safe. CTV News asked for comment from Mayor Ken Sim, who ran on a public safety platform in the fall election. We were directed to ABC Coun. Brian Montague, a former police officer.
“I’m saddened, I’m sickened,” Montague said in response to the attack. “There’s no reason for something this violent to be occurring, there’s just no rationale behind it. Even as a police officer for 28 years, I could never wrap my head around the senseless of violence that sometimes occurs.”
When asked about the sentiment of Vancouver being unsafe, he responded, “I think we’re doing better, there’s always room for improvement.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.