TERROR ATTACK LEAVES EDMONTON SHAKEN
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is condemning violent events in Edmonton as a “terrorist attack’’ following a chaotic night that saw a police officer stabbed and several pedestrians run down with a cube van.
Edmonton police said they have a 30-year-old man in custody and they think he acted alone. But police chief Rod Knecht stressed Sunday morning that the investigation is in its early stages and authorities haven’t ruled out others might have been involved.
The police officer was taken to hospital and treated for non life-threatening injuries. Four people were injured by the van, but the extent of their injuries was not immediately known.
Trudeau said Sunday that he was deeply concerned and outraged at what he called a “terrorist attack.’’
“Our thoughts are with those injured, their family and friends, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence,’’ Trudeau said in a statement, in which he also thanked first responders and law enforcement.
“While the investigation continues, early reports indicate that this is another example of the hate that we must remain ever vigilant against.
“We cannot — and will not — let violent extremism take root in our communities. We know that Canada’s strength comes from our diversity, and we will not be cowed by those who seek to divide us or promote fear.’’
It all began Saturday night outside the Edmonton Eskimos CFL football game at Commonwealth Stadium where it was military appreciation night.
Canada’s chief of defence staff, Gen. Jonathan Vance, conducted the pregame coin flip and two CF-18 fighter jets did a fly-past before kickoff. More than 800 Boy Scouts were expected at the game and many were planning to camp out on the field afterward.
While the Eskimos were battling the Winnipeg Blue Bombers inside the stadium, outside a white Chevy Malibu approached a traffic control post at a high speed.
Edmonton police released grainy footage of a car ramming a crowd control barricade with a uniformed officer standing beside it. The footage shows the officer being tossed about five metres into the air as the car slams into the front of a parked police cruiser.
The video shows two people walking by with their dogs rushing towards the officer on the ground but they run off when the driver gets out of the car, runs over and appears to starts stabbing the officer.
The police officer appears to wrestle with the driver on the ground and, at one point, it appears the officer is on top of the driver. Footage shows them both getting to their feet and the driver runs across the street while the officer slowly follows behind him into traffic.
Police launched a manhunt for the suspect.
Knecht said an Islamic State flag was found in the front seat of the car and was seized as evidence.
A few hours later, while fans filed out of the game and were re-routed around the crime scene, a U-Haul cube van was stopped at a checkstop north of downtown.
When the driver was asked for his licence, Knecht said the name on the identification was close to that of the registered owner of white Malibu.
When confronted, Knecht said the U-Haul sped off toward downtown with police cars in pursuit.
The van intentionally swerved at pedestrians in crosswalks, Knecht said.
“It is believed at this time that these two incidents are related,’’ Knecht said. “These incidents are being investigated as acts of terrorism.’’
The name of the suspect was not released. Knecht said he was known to police, but there was no warning for the attack.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley called the attacks horrific.
“It’s left us shocked at the indiscriminate cruelty and angry that someone might target their hatred at places where we gather with our families and friends,’’ she said in a statement, praising first responders for their work.
“Hatred has no place in Alberta. It’s not who we are. We are in this together and together we are stronger than any form of hate.’’