Surrey knife attack suspect facing terrorism-related charges
Posted April 3, 2023 11:33 am.
Last Updated April 4, 2023 6:33 am.
The man arrested and charged in relation to a knife attack on a Surrey bus Saturday is now facing four counts of terrorism-related charges.
Abdul Aziz Kawam, born in 1995, was initially charged with four offences, including attempted murder, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and two counts of assault with a weapon or causing harm.
The BC RCMP says that after initial information was gathered by the Surrey RCMP and Metro Vancouver Transit Police, the E Division Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (EINSET) took over the investigation.
As a result, Mounties say Kawam’s charges have been amended to include that the offences were committed “in association with a terrorist group.”
“The amended charges related to allegations the assaults were carried out for the Islamic State,” the BC RCMP notes.
This comes after a man was hospitalized after being slashed across his throat just after 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
Read More: Slashing on Surrey bus sends one to hospital: Transit police
Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP) says the incident happened after a fight broke out between two men riding a bus along Fraser Highway near 156th Street.
“During the altercation, one of the males allegedly took out a knife and slashed the other male across the throat,” said transit police in an email to CityNews.
“We remain committed to uncovering all the facts relating to this disturbing and unprovoked assault, and value the work and collaboration from our policing partners, the Metro Vancouver Transit Police and Surrey RCMP Detachment,” BC RCMP Supt. David Teboul said.
Kawam was remanded in custody Monday pending his next court appearance.
