The wife of the man injured in Friday’s deadly HUB mall shooting has released a statement on her husband’s condition.
Matthew Schuman is the sole survivor of the shootings on the U of A campus and remains in critical condition. Three of Schuman’s G4S co-workers died in the incident.
Jennifer, wife of Schuman, had this to say:
“I was in absolute shock when I received the phone call at 1 a.m. that Matthew was involved in an accident. My focus was on getting to the hospital and being by his side.
Matthew still remains listed as critical but stable. Sunday evening was the first time that he opened his eyes and squeezed my hand. Shortly thereafter he went back to sleep. We remain cautiously optimistic that his condition will improve.
I was very relieved to hear that the attacker was captured and I was pleased that he was alive in hopes that he cooperates and explains his actions, because he has affected so many lives. His actions have angered an entire country, and I hope that at one point he can comprehend the level of damage he has done.
I can't begin to fathom the grief the families of the other victims must be experiencing. My heart goes out to them and I hope that they have some small solace in knowing that the attacker is behind bars.
I'm touched at the level of concern and gentle inquires about Matthew's condition. I'm very thankful for the public support and generosity. Due to the large outpouring of public generosity, the Royal Bank of Canada has set up a trust fund in the name of our family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "M.Schuman Family".
For the moment I would like to ask the media to respect our family's privacy, but I assure you that updates on his condition will be forthcoming.”
A statement was also released by Lieutenant-Colonel John Reiffenstein on the injury of Schuman, who is firefighter with the Canadian Forces in addition to working with G4S.
"My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Corporal Matthew Schuman who was critically injured today during an early morning shooting incident at the University of Alberta. Our focus right now is on providing support to the family of Corporal Schuman who is by his side at the University of Alberta Hospital as he undergoes treatment. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the families of the other three victims who did not survive the vicious attack. Corporal Schuman is a military firefighter posted to Canadian Forces Base Edmonton."
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