Delegates at the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario evaded the scare in Canada’s capital city of Ottawa yesterday when a gunman shot and killed a solider at an Ottawa war memorial before entering parliament.
It was first speculated the attack was carried out by a Muslim convert after Tuesday’s incident where another Muslim killed a soldier in Quebec, and now several news outlets have confirmed Michael Zehaf-Bibeau had in fact recently converted to Islam.
A friend who met 32 year old Zehaf-Bibeau at a mosque described him as unstable to authorities and the media. Zehaf-Bibeau had a track record of minor crimes such as drug possession and robbery.
Canada recently announced it would support a US led effort of air strikes against IS militants in Iraq raising questions about whether these attacks have direct links to the official confirmation, although nothing has been confirmed.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister Harper addressed the nation last evening reiterating that perpetrators of this nature “will have no safe haven” in Canada, while admitting the attacks prove the country is not immune to terrorist attacks.
Mr. Harper continued, “We will not be intimidated. Canada will never be intimidated. In fact, this will lead us to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts... to take all necessary steps to identify and counter threats and keep Canada safe."
This morning police confirmed they were confident there had only been one attacker but Mr. Harper did mention they were looking into possible accomplices Bibeau may have had.
Cpl Nathan Cirillo, unfortunately died at the hands of Zehaf-Bibeau but the other three individuals who had injuries were treated and released by last evening.
