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Lowry: Toronto van attacker 'definitely would have been shot up' in America

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

The city of Toronto was still reeling Tuesday after a van mowed down a number of pedestrians on its busiest street the previous day, killing 10 people and injuring 15 more.

Asked about Monday's events, Kyle Lowry - who was in Toronto at the BioSteel Centre preparing for Wednesday's pivotal Game 5 against the Washington Wizards - commended the officer for his role in apprehending the driver without firing his gun.

Lowry added that the standoff would likely have ended much differently in the United States.

"I think in America, he definitely would have been shot up," Lowry said. "Kudos to that officer. I'm sure some people wish that the officer would have done damage to the man.

"I'm glad that's not my job. That's why those guys, those police officers, you know, they protect and serve to make judgment calls. He did an amazing job making a judgment call, and I think more people can learn from that."

Videos circulated on social media of the standoff between the officer and the driver, which Lowry watched for the first time Tuesday morning.

The driver, Alek Minassian, has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder, and 13 counts of attempted murder.

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