Edmonton, Canada – Authorities have revealed that the attack on Edmonton City Hall in January is believed to have been politically motivated, meeting the criteria for potential terrorism charges, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Superintendent Glenn Sells from the RCMP’s national security division stated on Tuesday that during the investigation, law enforcement officers seized various dangerous items from the scene, including an SKS assault-style rifle, prohibited rifle magazines, ammunition, and Molotov cocktails filled with gasoline. Sells emphasized the concerning risk posed to the public and the severity of potential damages that could have occurred during the incident.
The incident unfolded when an armed individual entered city hall through an underground parkade, resulting in gunfire and the ignition of small incendiary devices, causing a minor fire near an elevator. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the building suffered substantial damage, with shattered glass and punctured walls and ceilings. Amid the chaos, the building was occupied by numerous individuals, including a group of Grade 1 students, prompting swift action from police and RCMP tactical teams to secure and evacuate the premises.
Sells remarked on the disruptive impact of the violent attack on the normal operations of Edmonton’s municipal government on January 23, 2024. He commended the quick response and bravery of city hall security and emergency responders, noting that their actions averted serious injuries or extensive property damage.
With new details emerging about the attack, authorities deemed it within the RCMP’s national security jurisdiction. Subsequently, 28-year-old Bezhani Sarvar faced charges related to terrorism offenses, including counselling to commit a terrorism offense and possession of property for terrorist purposes. Additional charges encompassed the intentional possession of incendiary materials and various weapon-related offenses.
Following Sarvar’s apprehension, police uncovered a video where an individual, clad in a commissionaire’s jacket, delivered a disjointed manifesto touching on various topics such as “wokeism,” conflicts in Gaza, and dietary habits. The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires confirmed Sarvar’s background as a Canadian Forces veteran who had worked as a commissionaire at different Edmonton sites, excluding city hall.
Upon RCMP’s involvement in the case, a comprehensive examination of gathered evidence, execution of search warrants, witness interviews, and electronic evidence analysis ensued. The thorough investigative process aimed to uncover the full extent of Sarvar’s actions and potential accomplices, shedding light on the disturbing events that unfolded at Edmonton City Hall.
The report by The Canadian Press, released on March 5, 2024, provides a detailed account of the incident and subsequent legal proceedings, raising awareness about the implications of politically motivated violence in Canadian communities.