10 mowed down, 15 injured in Toronto van attack

A 25-year-old college student, who was later identified as Alek Minassian from Richmond Hill, Ontario, has been arrested after being confronted by an officer, Toronto police said.

However, the police are yet to confirm the exact motivation behind this deadly attack. The angle of spurned love is also being looked into, according to officers involved in the investigation.

Police officers at the scene. Image: Sumeet Ghoshdastidar.

The attack took place along a one-kilometre stretch along Yonge Street around 1.30pm. Bodies, covered with orange tarps, were scattered at the scene.

Canada public safety minister Ralph Goodale, who is attending the G7 foreign and security ministers meeting here, said in a press conference soon after the attack that he had no proof to suggest the country’s national threat level needed to be raised.

Suspect Alek Minassian. Image: twitter.com/tariqnasheed.

Toronto mayor John Tory, Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne have extended their condolences to the affected family. Wynne said, “We are all unsettled and very disturbed.”

The suspect is not associated with any organized terrorist group and does not represent a larger threat to national security, according to the police.

The crime scene. Image: Google Maps

Toronto police chief Mark Saunders said: “My condolences to those involved in this incident. I am grateful for the efforts of our police officers and all emergency partners.”

Specific reaction to the incident is yet to come from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has only tweeted: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the terrible incident at Yonge and Finch in Toronto. Thank you to the first responders working at the scene – we're monitoring the situation closely.”

Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also took to social media to issue their own calls of support for the victims and first responders.

Scheer said, “Terrible news of the incident in Toronto this afternoon. Deepest sympathies and condolences of our entire Conservative Caucus and all Parliamentarians are with the community as this situation continues to develop. Our thanks to the first responders who acted so quickly.” 

Singh said, “Tragic news coming out of Toronto – my thoughts are with all those affected by the horrific events unfolding near Yonge and Finch, along with all first responders.”

Ricki, a resident of the area, said, “I was crossing the street to get some food. I saw commotion all around. If I had been there three to four minutes ago, I might had been one of the victims.”

Rupa, a new immigrant from India who was at a nearby eatery, said, “I have come to Canada as it is a peaceful country. However, such a horrific incident has led me to have second thoughts about my decision. I was very scared and people around us were terrified. I sincerely hope the administration would ensure everyone’s safety.”

(Reporting by Sayantan Banerjee & Suman Das)