Edmonton, Alberta – The RCMP is advising that this weekend, it confirmed the existence of a reported Al-Shabab video which contains content encouraging terrorist action be taken against malls globally, and that the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta was one of a number of malls specifically referenced in the video.
The RCMP in Alberta is actively examining the exact contents and authenticity of this video with its local policing partners, together with the national RCMP and our global national security partners. There is no evidence at this time of any specific or imminent threat to Canadians in relation to this video.
The safety and security of all Canadians, in Edmonton and across the country, is of the utmost importance to the RCMP and all police services and we take any threat to our country’s national security very seriously.
The RCMP, together with its partners in law enforcement will continue investigating threats posed by terrorist entities to ensure that Albertans, and all Canadians remain safe and secure.
The RCMP will participate in a media availability today, hosted by Edmonton Police Service Deputy Chief Brian Simpson at the Edmonton Police Service Headquarters at 3:00 p.m. Assistant Commissioner Marlin Degrand, Criminal Operations Officer for the RCMP in Alberta (“K” Division) will be present and will answer a limited number of questions at that time relating to this investigation.