The terrorist who stabbed two people in a military recruitment center in Toronto on Monday told police he “acted on orders from Allah,” said Mark Saunders, chief of the Toronto Police Service.
The attacker, identified as Ayanle Hassan Ali, a Canadian citizen, acted alone and after stabbing two soldiers he shouted it was all done in the name of Allah.
Canadians – and the @CanadianForces – will not be intimidated by terror & hate. May the CAF members injured yesterday make a full recovery.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 15, 2016
Hassan Ali arrived at the federal administration building and headed straight to the reception area of a recruitment center for the Canadian Armed Forces.
Saunders said Hassan Ali walked past a master corporal stationed at the door of the center, and when he tried to stop him, Hassan Ali immediately pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the arm. Police said he also attacked another soldier who tried to stop him, and he tried to slash at a female soldier unsuccessfully.
According to the police chief, the man shouted “Allah ordered me to do this, to come here and kill people!”
Cdn Forces Spokesperson outside scene of double-stabbing: It’s business as usual but we remain vigilant. https://t.co/3waUIuLtGk
— CBC Toronto (@CBCToronto) March 15, 2016
Saunders said the attack could have been far worse if trained soldiers had not been there to take down the attacker.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service are in charge of the investigation to determine if the attack is related to national security.