A man was killed on Wednesday in Strathroy after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) investigated a terrorist threat.
RCMP officials said on August 10, 2016, the RCMP received information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that an unknown individual was in the final stages of planning an attack using a homemade explosive device, likely targeting an urban centre during the morning or afternoon rush hour and within the next 72 hours.
Earlier today, the RCMP provided additional details about the incident.
“The safety and security of Canadian citizens is of the utmost importance to the RCMP. As soon as we received the information, we immediately took the necessary steps to ensure the public’s safety,” said Deputy Commissioner Mike Cabana, Federal Policing.
“We actively engaged relevant Canadian law enforcement and security agencies, asking them to exercise an increased level of vigilance and to be on the lookout for anything suspicious.”
RCMP officials said following the swift efforts of the “skilled and experienced investigators” as well as their Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) partners, the suspect was identified as Aaron Driver and located in Strathroy, Ontario.
Driver was known to police and the subject of an 810.011 Peace Bond related to terrorism.
Police specialized units including the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit and Emergency Response Team were deployed to the location of DRIVER’s residence.
“When he exited a residence on Park Street and entered into a cab, the RCMP’s ERT engaged the suspect, there was a detonation inside the taxi, and the suspect subsequently died following a confrontation with the police,” said Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Strachan, Commanding Officer of O Division (Ontario).
Investigators worked diligently overnight to gather the evidence however, as this is an ongoing investigation, no additional details can be provided,’ RCMP officials stated.
“We encourage Canadians to remain alert and to immediately report any suspicious or unusual behaviour to their local police or by contacting the National Security Information Network at 1-800-420-5805,” RCMP officials stated.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP Bev Shipley commended the efforts of law enforcement following the incident:
Thanks 2 Strathroy-Caradoc Police, RCMP, 4 courage, professionalism in handling terrorist sitn in Strathroy. #ItCanHappenAnywhere.
— Bev Shipley (@BevShipleyMP) 11 August 2016
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP, Monte McNaughton, issued a statement on the incident in Strathroy as well:
“Yesterday, the RCMP received credible information regarding a potential terrorist threat and took strong action to ensure public safety,” McNaughton stated.
“One report said the suspect planned to detonate a bomb in a major Canadian city to inflict mass casualties, to be carried out as early as Wednesday during rush hour. Accordingly, I commend the combined efforts of the RCMP, CSIS, the OPP, the Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service and other police forces who worked together to take firm and decisive action, and help keep our community safe. I also offer my thanks and appreciation to both the frontline officers, and to those working behind the scenes, for their ongoing professionalism throughout.”
McNaughton said he wanted to congratulate the community of Strathroy-Caradoc, under the leadership of Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden, for their strong sense of resolve and of community service.
“Last night I spoke with both Mayor Vanderheyden and MP Bev Shipley and the three of us are firmly committed and will continue to work together to bring the community together and help ensure that Strathroy-Caradoc continues to stay united,” McNaughton stated.
“Even here in Strathroy-Caradoc, we are impacted by the far reach of ISIL/ISIS and other forms of radical Islamic terrorism. I encourage all citizens to remain vigilant. If you see or hear something strange or unusual, please contact your local police or the OPP.”
– Photo from Facebook
