A violent knife attack, which resulted in a passenger getting his throat slashed, is being investigated as an ISIS terrorist attack by the RCMP.
Abdul Aziz Kawam was arrested on Saturday after allegedly attacking a man while on a bus travelling on Fraser Highway at 9:30 a.m. Police say Kawam held a knife to the throat of another individual at a bus stop four blocks away.
The injured victim is in stable condition in hospital.
Kawam was initially charged with one charge of attempted murder, two of assault with a weapon and one of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
On Monday, investigators with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police reached out to the RCMP-led Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) due to disturbing comments allegedly made by Kawam.
Kawam allegedly made statements about having conducted the attack for the so-called Islamic State (ISIS).
“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,” Const. Amanda Steed of Metro Vancouver Transit Police said.
“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.”
After RCMP national security investigators took over the investigation, prosecutors added four counts of terrorism on Monday.
RCMP Supt. David Teboul said INSET is working with Metro Vancouver Transit Police on the case.
“We remain committed to uncovering all the facts relating to this disturbing and unprovoked assault.”
