RCMP lay terrorism charges in Edmonton City Hall attack

The Alberta RCMP says terrorism charges have been laid against a 28-year-old former security guard who was arrested in connection to the Jan. 23 attack at Edmonton City Hall.

Mounties say Bezhani Sarvar has been charged with one count of counselling commission of terrorism and one count of possession of property for terrorist purposes.

Police say that on Jan. 23, a ‘heavily armed’ suspect entered City Hall, fired a gun, and started a small fire by throwing a Molotov cocktail.

Following this, he was detained by an unarmed security guard, until police arrived at the scene.

The Edmonton Police Service took the man, who was identified as Sarvar, into custody, and he was charged with six charges including reckless arson in an occupied property, use of a firearm while committing an offence, and throwing an explosive substance.

Sarvar worked as a security guard for Commissionaires prior to the shooting, but not at City Hall.

The RCMP says the terrorism charges are in conjunction with the following charges, which also constitute terrorism offences of the Criminal Code of Canada:

• Intentionally or recklessly cause damage by fire or explosion to property, knowing the property was inhabited;
• Intentionally possess incendiary material while committing an indictable offence;
• Use of a firearm while committing an indictable offence;
• Intentional discharge of a firearm while being reckless as to the life and safety of another person;
• Two counts of possession of a prohibited device;
• Mischief;
• Carrying a concealed weapon; and,
• Possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence.

Police say Sarvar remains in custody in Calgary. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 5. None of the allegations have been proven in court.