The suspect that whipped out a knife and slashed another public transit users throat is facing terrorism charges.
On Saturday afternoon Abdul Aziz Kawam allegedly attacked a man while riding the bus in Surrey B.C. around 9:30 a.m. travelling on Fraser Highway. Police said Kawam allegedly held the knife to the throat of another individual at a bus stop before getting on the bus.
Originally Kawam was being charge with one of attempted murder, two of assault with a weapon and one of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
The victim was taken to hospital to be treated with life-threatening injuries.
On Monday Const, Amanda Steed of Metro Vancouver Transit Police said investigators reached out to RCMP-led Integrated National Security Enforcement Team due to disturbing comments Kawam made during the attack.
“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,” Steed 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 the investigation changed from provincial to federal jurisdiction being lead by RCMP national security, four counts of terrorism were added to the list of charges.
RCMP Supt. David Teboul said INSET continues to work with Metro Vancouver Transit Police on the case.
“We remain committed to uncovering all the facts relating to this disturbing and unprovoked assault.”
Kawam remains in custody and is next due in court Wednesday.
While Kawam doesn’t have and criminal history recorded in the provincial court database the police did tend to him in 2019 over a “mental-health issue”. Investigators have taken this in to consideration and looking to see if the terrorist attack resulted from “mental-health issues”.
