Canada: Edmonton attack deemed act of terror /update 2

Event

The violent attacks carried out in Edmonton (Alberta province) on Saturday, September 30, have been classified by the federal government as acts of terror. The attacker, who has been in custody since Saturday night, has been identified as a Somali asylum seeker who was known to authorities. It appears the man may have been inspired by the Islamic State (IS) but it is unclear if he had any direct links with the terrorist group. The Edmonton mayor has described the incident as a lone wolf attack.

The incidents began at 20:15 (local time) on Saturday when a police officer controlling traffic at a Canadian Football League game was intentionally struck by a vehicle outside the Commonwealth Stadium. The driver then attacked the officer with a knife before fleeing on foot. At around midnight, the man was pulled over at a police checkpoint in a second vehicle and immediately fled the scene. According to police, the van deliberately hit pedestrians during the subsequent police chase, injuring four civilians.

Context

Canada has witnessed several deadly terrorist incidents over recent years, including the January 2017 Québec City mosque shooting, which left six dead and 19 wounded.