Edmonton, Alberta experienced a terrifying terrorist attack on Saturday night. Charges are pending against a man accused of running through a traffic stop that collided into the police officer's cruiser, the stabbing of a police officer and the deliberate smashing of a van into four pedestrians who were injured during a high speed chase. The recovery of an Islamic State flag from one of the vehicles used in the attacks has led police to pursue the incidents as an act of terrorism.The “lone wolf” suspect who is believed to have acted alone is a 30 year old Somali refugee that was known to the authorities. In 2015 an investigation was launched, after a complaint was made that he was displaying signs of extremism and radicalization. However, there was insufficient evidence to make an arrest and he was classified as “not a threat”. He has now been arrested and not yet charged for offenses including participation in a terrorist attack, commission of an offense for a terrorist group, five counts of attempted murder, dangerous driving, criminal flight causing bodily harm, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Is terrorism now a “thing” in Canada?

In the aftermath of this terrorist offense, one has to question if terrorism will now become a “thing” in Canada. Europe has experienced their share of attacks and now it has infected Canada. The trend of vehicles being driven into crowds is becoming an increasingly common terrorist tactic. Europe has experienced eight vehicle rampage attacks in 2017 that resulted in deaths and injuries. Recently, Al Qaeda in the Acadian Peninsula called for attacks in U-Haul trucks in the West, demonstrating ideological statements like this exist to get their followers to carry out these types of attacks.

Canada is not free from terrorism

Canada has not been immune to the forces of terrorism and has dealt with attacks before. In 2017 alone, the country has witnessed two incidents of terror related attacks and now the third event on Saturday. The national terrorism threat level remains at a “medium”. Canadians share the similar reaction to their European neighbours of shock, outrage, and concern to this senseless violence. Terrorism could be an unlikely way to unite nations to combat this pattern we’re seeing in major cities across Europe and unfortunately now in Canada.