Terrorism Charges Laid in Ideologically Motivated Homicide
Date: May 20, 2020
Classification: Unclassified
Fully releasable (ATIP)? Yes
Issue: A youth has been charged with terrorism offences in connection with a stabbing attack in Toronto on February 24, 2020.
Proposed Response:
- Our Government is committed to countering threats to public safety and national security posed by Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremists.
- On February 24, 2020, a woman was killed and another woman was injured in a stabbing attack at a Toronto massage parlour.
- A 17-year old youth was arrested and initially charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder under the Criminal Code. The individual’s identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
- During the investigation, law enforcement discovered evidence that the attack was motivated by the incel ideology. As a result, the suspect has now been charged with two terrorism offences under the Criminal Code.
- Recognizing that this is an ongoing investigation, we are respecting the independence of law enforcement, and will not be providing further comment at this time.
Background:
On February 24, 2020, a woman was killed and another woman was injured in a stabbing attack at a Toronto massage parlour. The suspect, a 17-year old youth, was arrested by Toronto police and initially charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. As the suspect is a minor, his identity is protected from publication by the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
During the initial criminal investigation, Toronto Police Services (TPS) discovered evidence suggesting that the attack was motivated by the incel ideology and could therefore constitute terrorist activity under the Criminal Code. The term “incel”, which means involuntary celibate, is an Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremist (IMVE) online subculture or community in which “members” express a gender-driven, violent misogynist worldview.
TPS contacted the RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) in Ontario. Following a subsequent investigation by the INSET and TPS, the initial charges were amended. On May 19, 2020, Crown prosecutors presented the updated criminal charges in court. The youth suspect is now facing charges for two terrorism offences under the Criminal Code: murder – terrorist activity (s.231(6.01)) and attempted murder – terrorist activity (s.239).
This is the first time that an IMVE-related suspect has been charged with terrorism offences in Canada. This is not, however, the first time that the incel ideology has inspired an individual to commit violent, criminal acts in Canada. In 2018, an individual allegedly motivated by gender-driven views, specifically a violent incel worldview, killed 10 and injured 16 others during a vehicle ramming attack in Toronto.
Contacts:
Prepared by: Sean McGillis, Executive Director Federal Policing Strategic Direction (613-843-6866)
Approved by: Mike Duheme, Deputy Commissioner Federal Policing (613-843-6866)
Please ensure that the Minister’s Office can reach whoever is listed, cell number required.
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