THE RCMP announced on Wednesday that Shaheer Cassim, 39, has been charged with one count of hijacking under Section 76(d) of the Criminal Code and he has been remanded until his next court appearance on Tuesday, July 22, in connection with Tuesday’s incident in which a plane was allegedly hijacked from the Victoria International Airport before landing at the Vancouver International Airport.
The RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) with Federal Policing – Pacific Region has assumed conduct of this investigation.
The RCMP said while at the Victoria International Airport on July 15, it is alleged the suspect threatened a flight instructor and successfully hijacked a Cessna plane by taking control of the aircraft.
“Investigators have determined the suspect acted with an ideological motive to disrupt airspace,” said Sgt. Tammy Lobb, Media Relations Officer with Federal Policing – Pacific Region. “Thankfully, no one was injured during this incident.”
The RCMP Federal Policing – Pacific Region is working closely with its partners at the Victoria International Airport and Vancouver International Airport as well as NAV Canada and Transport Canada.
At approximately 1:10 p.m. on July 15, Richmond RCMP received a report that a Cessna 172 had been hijacked from the Vancouver Island area and was entering into airspace near Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The suspect was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
Richmond RCMP, along with the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service, the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team, and RCMP Air Services were immediately deployed. Communication was established with YVR Emergency Operation Centre to ensure a coordinated response that focused on the safety and security of all involved.
At 1:45 p.m., the plane safely landed at YVR and Richmond RCMP officers arrested the suspect without incident.
The RCMP said the investigation is still in its infancy as investigators are working diligently to collect evidence and follow up on all leads to ensure a thorough investigation.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
YVR said on Tuesday: “During the 39-minute ground stop for arrivals, nine inbound aircraft were diverted to alternate airports. Airlines, YVR, and our partners are working to support getting those passengers to their destinations. Flights are now operating normally in and out of YVR, however some flight delays are possible and passengers should check directly with their airline or at http://yvr.ca before coming to the airport.”
The media reported that Cassim is a former commercial pilot who has previously been involved in climate activism.
www.facebook.com/shaheer.cassim.2025
Meanwhile, CBC reported that a spokesperson for the Canadian Armed Forces said that the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) scrambled U.S. F-15 fighter jets in response to the alleged hijacking. But the flight had landed before fighter jets intercepted it.
