A man involved in two alleged assaults in Surrey over the weekend is facing multiple charges related to terrorism.
Abdul Aziz Kawam was initially charged with attempted murder after an incident in which a passenger’s throat was slashed on a bus April 1. Metro Vancouver Transit Police were called to deal with an altercation between two men on a bus travelling on Fraser Highway and 156th Street at around 9:30 a.m.
"One of the males allegedly took out a knife and slashed the other male across the throat," transit police said.
Court documents said the alleged action was "for the benefit of, at the direction of, or ina association with a terrorist group, to wit; the Islamic State."
"During the course of our investigation, it was determined that the suspect made several concerning comments, which is why the RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team was notified," transit police said.
Transit police and Surrey RCMP quickly located the suspect, who was arrested for attempted murder.
The victim was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The police investigation revealed a second victim was allegedly approached by the same suspect at a bus stop on Fraser Highway at 152nd Street prior to the attack on the bus.
"The suspect displayed the knife and held it to the victim's throat," transit police said. "The victim was able to push the suspect away and escape unharmed."
The investigation conducted thus far has resulted in Kawam being charged with:
- attempt to commit murder in association with a terrorist group;
- assault causing bodily harm in association with a terrorist group;
- aggravated assault in association with a terrorist group; and,
- assault with a weapon in association with a terrorist group.
Kawam was also initially charged with possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and two counts of assault with a weapon or causing harm.
"The amended charges relate to allegations the assaults where carried out for the Islamic State," said Staff Sgt. Kris Clark with RCMP E Division in a statement released late Monday afternoon.
The investigation is still in the early stages and a motive has not yet been confirmed.
"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,” said Supt. David Teboul, Acting Deputy Criminal Operations Officer in charge of Federal Policing Branch in B.C.
Kawam, born in 1995, appeared in Surrey provincial court on April 3. He'll be held in custody pending his next court appearance.
All offence locations are listed as being in Surrey in court files.
Not the only incident of late in Canada
On March 23, police arrested 18-year-old Mohamed Amine Assal of Ville Saint-Laurent, Quebec.
"Following a short investigation by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, the RCMP had reasonable grounds to fear that an individual may commit a terrorism offence," police said at the time. "The investigation is ongoing and all evidence will be analyzed. Charges may be laid at a later date."
