Terror charges laid against London, Ontario attack suspect in Muslim family killing

TERROR charges have been laid against Nathaniel Veltman, 20, of London in the killing of four members of a family in London, Ontario on June 6 in what police believe was “a planned, premeditated” attack because of the family’s Muslim faith.

Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife, Madiha Salman, 44, their daughter, Yumna Afzaal, 15,and her grandmother, Talat Afzaal, 74, were killed when Veltman, driving a pickup truck, struck them while they were out for a walk. The couple’s son, nine-year-old Fayez Salman, was the only surviving victim.

The RCMP said in a press release on Monday: “London Police Service worked in conjunction with RCMP INSET [Integrated National Security Enforcement Team], the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC), determining that the murders constitute terrorist activity. As a result, the Federal and Provincial Attorneys General provided their consent to commence terrorism proceedings, alleging that the murders and the attempted murder also constitute terrorist activity.”

On June 7, Veltman was charged by the London Police Service with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.

On Monday, Veltman appeared at the London Courthouse to answer to the following charges:

  • First-degree murder, in addition to being planned and deliberate murders, also constitute terrorism offences, and
  • Attempt to commit murder, which, in addition to being an attempted murder, also constitutes a terrorism offence.

The London Police Service and RCMP INSET said they wish to re-assure the public that there is no further known or suspected threat to the public associated to the accused at this time. The investigation is ongoing and will continue to be a collaborative effort between the London Police Service and RCMP INSET.

If you believe you have witnessed, or are aware of, any criminal extremism and/or suspicious activities which could pose a threat to public safety and/or national security, police encourage you to report it to London Police Service at 1-519-661-5670 or within Canada to the National Security Information Network at 1-800-420-5805.  In the event of an emergency, dial 911.

Police said they encourage anyone in need of assistance to reach out to Victim Services of Middlesex-London at 519-661-5636.

 

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