Toronto: Toronto Police Service (TPS) said a man is being charged with terror attack that took place on February 21. A woman was died in the attack.
Last Friday, TPS received multiple calls for a possible medical complaint at Sheppard Avenue East near Markham Road. It is reported that the victim, a woman, was walking eastbound along Sheppard Avenue East near Markham Road when she was attacked by a man armed with a hammer. She succumbed to her injuries.
The victim has been identified as Hang-Kam Annie Chiu, age 64, of Scarborough.
The accused, Saad Akhtar, age 30, of Scarborough, turned himself in at 42 Division. He was initially charged with First-Degree Murder.
During the investigation, evidence was discovered which led investigators to believe the homicide
may have been a terrorist-related offence, said a TPS media release.
“In line with existing protocols, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) was contacted and investigative assistance was requested. After consulting with federal and provincial Crown Attorneys and with consents from the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Attorney General of Canada, Saad Akhtar appeared in court, for a second time, at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East, on Tuesday, February 25, 2020,” said the release.
The charge has now been updated to:
1. First-Degree Murder – Including Terrorist Activity, invoking Section 231 (6.01) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
While the investigation, and prosecution, will be a collaborative effort between Toronto Police Service Homicide and INSET Toronto, the public can be assured this appears to be an isolated incident and there is no further known threat to the public associated to the accused at this time, said the TPS.
“On behalf of the RCMP, I would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the victim’s family and to the communities that are affected by this horrific event. Today’s [February 25] announcement is a result of the good work that is done when the dedication of our members, the assistance of the public, and the involvement of our intelligence partners comes together to investigate an incident of national security. We will continue to support the Toronto Police Service as we remain focused on the safety and security of Canadians,” said Superintendent Christopher deGale, Officer in Charge,
INSET, O Division.