Officials Say Suspect Who Attacked Soldiers Was ‘Radicalized’

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Canadian authorities have reiterated that they are investigating whether the attack on two Canadian soldiers near Montreal was an act of terrorism or not. Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s office explained in a statement that the soldiers were struck by a car yesterday driven by someone known to have become “radicalized.” One of the soldiers died last night and the suspect was shot dead by police following a car chase.

According to PM Harper’s spokesperson, Jason MacDonald, the individual “is known to federal authorities,” and “federal authorities have confirmed that there are clear indications that the individual had become radicalized.” Furthermore, it was explained that the two victims were members of the Canadian armed forces, who were hit in a shopping mall parking lot in Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, a town about 50 kilometers (30 miles) southeast of Montreal.

The issue was also raised yesterday during the Commons question period, when a Conservative lawmaker inquired if the incident was a “possible terror attack.” In response to the query, Harper informed the Parliament that the government is monitoring the situation closely. PM Harper received updated briefing of the incident by the head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Bob Paulson, and Chief of Defence Staff General Tom Lawson. A statement by the police cautioned Canadians to be “vigilant,” “because this is an ongoing investigation we cannot comment further,” the prime minister’s office said in the statement.” It was added that “we are working with our law enforcement partners to ensure all avenues of investigation are pursued.”