Terrorism -- Out of the Blue

"During the course of our investigation, it was determined that the suspect made quite a few concerning statements, which is why we notified the RCMP INSET [Integrated National Security Team]."

"So they have taken on an investigation as well. And we're working with them. But from here on, they will be in charge of the investigation and they have forwarded their own charges along with ours."

"[I cannot be specific about what the suspect said] I can only say that it was concerning enough to notify INSET." 

Constable Amanda Steed, Metro Vancouver Transit Police

 

“We remain committed to uncovering all the facts relating to this disturbing and unprovoked assault, and value the work and collaboration from our policing partners, the Metro Vancouver Transit Police and Surrey RCMP Detachment.”

"[INSET continues to work with Metro Vancouver Transit Police on the case, now deemed a terrorist attack]." 

"The amended charges relate to allegations the assaults were carried out for the Islamic State.”

RCMP Superintendent David Teboul 

 

"All of the charges that this particular person is facing are very serious in nature. Many of them do carry the potential of life in prison if he is found guilty of them."    

"Certainly adding a terrorism aspect of this would be aggravating, if the Crown can prove it."

Vancouver criminal lawyer Sarah Leamon

Abdul Aziz Kawam is pictured in an artist's court sketch as he made an appearance in Surrey provincial court Monday. (Felicity Don)

Four terrorism charges have been officially laid against a man who was arrested after having seriously injured a bus passenger in a knife attack in Surrey, British Columbia Saturday. Charges of "committing an offence for the benefit of a terrorist organization" -- the Islamic State, was specifically mentioned -- were sworn against Abdul Aziz Kawam Monday.

“There was no warning [before the attack, and terrorism didn't enter the minds of the family until police announced the charges]. He [Kawam] just attacked him [victim]."

“It was a heroic act [the victim struggling with the armed attacker and pushing him off the bus after the attack]."

"When the guy cut his throat, he could have given up, he could have curled up and just let the guy attack somebody else. But he kept fighting, and in the end he may have saved every person on that bus from injury.” 

“He's able to move, but emotionally he is in another place. He may have trouble getting on the bus the next time he tries. He may not trust certain people around him because they look very much like this person."

“He doesn't even want to go to court to ever see this guy.”

Chris Jensen, victim's brother-in-law

The man charged with terrorism made an appearance in Surrey provincial court where he was arraigned. The 28-year-old was already facing four other charges after a man had his throat slashed on a bus travelling on Fraser Highway. Another victim experienced out of the blue a knife held to his throat while he was standing at a bus stop some four blocks away.

 

The charges against the named terrorist suspect include one of attempted murder, two of assault with a weapon and one of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Added to which is the terrorism charge.The provincial court database has no criminal history of the suspect. Transit Police dealt with him in 2019 for a "mental-health-related" incident, however.

"[Some ten minutes prior to the bus attack another victim was standing at a bus stop when a person approached] and held a knife to his throat."

"That victim was able to break free and run away. And then the suspect ran from there and boarded the bus with the second victim at 145th and Fraser [streets]. They both boarded at the same time."

Transit Constable Amanda Steed

Transit police say a man was stabbed on a bus by another man in Surrey, B.C., on Saturday morning. (Shane MacKichan)