T.O. attack on soldiers ‘terrorism,’ Crown says

A man with schizophrenia acted as a “terrorist group of one” when he attacked soldiers at a military recruitment centre in Toronto, federal prosecutors said as they argued the 30-yearold should be found not criminally responsible for terror offences rather than having the charges dismissed.

Crown and defence lawyers agree that, as a result of serious mental illness, Ayanle Hassan Ali could not appreciate his actions were morally wrong when he slashed at Canadian Forces personnel with a kitchen knife on May 14, 2016, leaving at least two soldiers with minor injuries. But the two sides disagree on whether Ali should be facing terror charges.

The Crown argues that while Ali should be found not criminally responsible, he did commit a terrorist act and the verdict should reflect that.

“Despite his illness, Ali understood the nature and quality of his actions and understood that they were legally wrong,” Crown attorneys Kathleen Healy and Sarah Egan wrote in legal arguments filed at trial this week. “He intentionally attempted to kill (Canadian Forces personnel) in part for a religious, political or ideological purpose, objective or cause, and in part with the intention of intimidating the public or a segment of the public.”

The defence, however, has asked for an acquittal on the terror offences and a ruling of not criminally responsible on lesser included offences.

Ali will return to court Friday.