A man is under arrest after two members of the Canadian Forces were stabbed on Monday at a Toronto recruitment centre, Police Chief Mark Saunders says.
A 27-year-old man has been arrested on attempted murder and assault charges.
Saunders told a press conference the man entered a Canadian Forces recruitment building near Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue about 3 p.m. on March 14.
The man walked past a Master Corporal stationed at the door and stabbed him when he attempted to stop him, Saunders said. He then allegedly walked into the building and stabbed another military member who was trying to apprehend him.
Both of the people injuries that were not life-threatening and were released from hospital last night.
The arrested man was unresponsive to questions by police; however, at the scene, he reportedly said, “Allah told me to do this, Allah told me to come here and kill people,” Saunders said.
Ayanle Hassan Ali is set to appear in court this afternoon. He is facing several charges, including one count of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of aggravated assault. He was born in Montreal and has lived in Toronto since 2011. Police say he does not have a criminal record.
National Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Mayor John Tory showed their support for the soldiers on Twitter last night.
My thoughts are with the @CanadianForces members injured today in Toronto. and with those who responded bravely in the face of danger.
— Harjit Sajjan (@HarjitSajjan) March 15, 2016
We will continue to monitor the situation closely. In the meantime, I would like to wish those injured a speedy and full recovery.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) March 15, 2016
Major Richard Silva says it is business as usual at the recruitment centre.
“We are staying vigilant to ensure the safety of Canadian Armed Forces members and anyone who visits our recruiting centres,” he said.