Toronto, Canada’s police chief acknowledges “there is a need for answers” after video of police shooting a teen armed with a knife went viral on the Internet.

The video shows several police officers surrounding a public transportation tram on which 18-year old Sammy Yatim is cornered.  He continues to taunt the police as they demand that he throw out the knife.  One officer fires three rounds, and then there is a pause, and then more shots are fired.  Nine shots are fired in all.  Another officer who entered from the rear of the car approached and tasered Yatim, who was mortally wounded and on the floor.  The teen died in hospital soon after.

Critics say at the very least, it looks like the cops went too far.  Others wonder if the shooting was justified in the first place.  Police Chief Bill Blair promises there will be a thorough investigation.  In addition to the youtube video, trams have security cameras and local media suggests there are at least two more angles of video for investigators to view.

Yatim’s family says the young man had no history of mental illness.