Canada’s public safety minister is tamping down fears that a stabbing incident at a military recruitment centre in Toronto on Monday could have a link to terrorism.
A 27-year-old man was arrested following the attack that left two members of the Canadian Forces with non-life-threatening injuries at the the centre near Yonge St. and Sheppard Ave. in north Toronto.
In a statement, Ralph Goodale said it was “premature” to comment while the investigation is underway.
“The information the RCMP has at this point suggests this is an isolated incident and that there is no imminent threat to public safety,” Goodale said.
However, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said police are strongly considering the possibility that the attack was an act of terrorism but said it’s still early in the investigation.
Saunders said some of suspect’s comments raised concerns about a possible link to terrorism but declined to say what the comments were.
Citing police sources, the Toronto Sun newspaper reported that the suspect uttered the word “Allah.” A source with knowledge of the investigation also told CBC News the same thing.
Saunders said a man walked into the recruitment centre, pulled out a knife and attacked the person behind the counter. The man then attempted to move farther into the building, but was taken down by a group of between six and eight soldiers.
The suspect is currently being held in custody in hospital.
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.