Canada: Five injured in possible terror act Oct. 1; Edmonton city center remains cordoned off /update 1

Event

Canadian police have confirmed that five people have been injured in incidents that they are investigating as possible acts of terrorism in the city of Edmonton (Alberta) on Sunday, October 1. One man is in custody. Though the incident has ended, the city center remains cordoned off.

Context

Officials have said that a police officer controlling traffic at a Canadian Football League game was hit by a white Chevrolet Malibu at 20:15 (local time) outside of the Commonwealth Stadium on September 30. The driver then attacked the officer with a knife, before fleeing on foot. At around midnight, a man believed to match the description from the earlier incident was pulled over at a police checkpoint whilst driving a rental van, and immediately fled the scene. According to the police, the van deliberately attempted to hid pedestrians during the subsequent police chase, injuring four civilians. The 30-year-old male driver was arrested after his vehicle overturned. Police have said that the individual, who was known to authorities, is believed to have acted alone.

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

Advice

Individuals in Edmonton are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the city center, and to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.