OTTAWA, August 10, 2016 – Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, made the following statement:
“With respect to the police and security actions taken in Canada today, I have discussed the situation with the Prime Minister to confirm that public safety has been and continues to be properly protected.
There is no greater responsibility of the Government than to keep its citizens safe. Earlier today, the RCMP received credible information regarding a potential terrorist threat and took action to ensure public safety.
The Government of Canada monitors all potential threats and has robust measures in place to address them. However, Canadians should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activity to the National Security Tip Line (1-800-420-5805) or by contacting their local police.
Any comments on operational details will be made at the appropriate time by the RCMP.
Canadians can be confident that whenever credible information is obtained about a potential terrorist threat, the RCMP, CSIS and other police and security agencies take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of this country and its citizens. These agencies conducted themselves effectively in the circumstances that developed today.
Taking all relevant information into account, the National Terrorism Threat Level for Canada remains at “medium” where it has stood since the fall of 2014.”
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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
RCMP provides update on terrorism incident on August 10
August 11, 2016 – On August 10, 2016, the RCMP received information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that an unknown individual was in the final stages of planning an attack using a homemade explosive device, likely targeting an urban centre during the morning or afternoon rush hour and within the next 72 hours. Today, the RCMP provided additional details about the incident.
“The safety and security of Canadian citizens is of the utmost importance to the RCMP. As soon as we received the information, we immediately took the necessary steps to ensure the public’s safety,” said Deputy Commissioner Mike Cabana, Federal Policing. “We actively engaged relevant Canadian law enforcement and security agencies, asking them to exercise an increased level of vigilance and to be on the lookout for anything suspicious.”
Following the swift efforts of our skilled and experienced investigators as well as our Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) partners, the suspect was identified as Aaron DRIVER and located in Strathroy, Ontario. DRIVER was known to police and the subject of an 810.011 Peace Bond related to terrorism. Police specialized units including the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit and Emergency Response Team were deployed to the location of DRIVER’s residence.
“When he exited a residence on Park Street and entered into a cab, the RCMP’s ERT engaged the suspect, there was a detonation inside the taxi, and the suspect subsequently died following a confrontation with the police,” said Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Strachan, Commanding Officer of O Division (Ontario).
Investigators worked diligently overnight to gather the evidence however, as this is an ongoing investigation, no additional details can be provided. We encourage Canadians to remain alert and to immediately report any suspicious or unusual behaviour to their local police or by contacting the National Security Information Network at 1-800-420-5805.
Source: RCMP