A 27-year-year old man is in custody following what Toronto’s top cop described as an "unprovoked" attack inside a Canadian Forces recruiting centre in Willowdale Monday afternoon.
It happened inside the building located at 4900 Yonge St., near Greenfield Avenue, at around 3 p.m.
Speaking with reporters Monday night, Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders said that a single man walked into the building, produced a knife, and attacked a uniformed Canadian Forces member working behind the front desk.
The man then proceeded past the counter.
“At this time, through the training of the Canadian Forces members, they were able to subdue the male,” Saunders said.
“I can tell you had they not reacted, the chances of this being much more severe, much more serious, definitely would have occurred.”
A second Canadian Forces member was injured in the process. Both the initial attack victim and the person injured subduing the suspect sustained non-life-threatening knife injuries, Saunders said.
“It’s very early in the investigation,” Saunders said as to the possible motive behind the attack at a press conference Monday night.
“Certain comments were made by this gentleman that was held in custody before the police arrived which has caused some concern.”
He would not provide details on the nature or context of the comments.
Saunders said the possible link to terrorism is being “strongly examined.”
“We don’t have a clear understanding of what the motivation is,” he said.
Provincial police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service have all been notified.
The suspect – who has not been identified by police – is currently in hospital for medical clearance before the investigation continues, Saunders said.
Currently, the man only faces charges in connection with the assaults, Saunders said. He expected further information to be released as the investigation continues.
In a statement released Monday night, the office of the minister of national defence said that no suspicious activity had been observed in the area prior to Monday afternoon’s attack.
“(Canadian Forces) members will continue to exercise vigilance and apply the necessary force protection measures,” press secretary Jordan Owens said.
“As I'm sure you can understand, the investigation is underway, and the situation is evolving.”
A statement from the Department of National Defence Monday night said that the Canadian Forces “continually adapt force protection measures to meet the demands of an evolving security environment.”
“We thank local first responders for their support in this matter.”
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale said that preliminary information obtained by the RCMP suggested that Monday’s attack was an isolated incident and that no threat to public safety exists.
“Canadians can be assured that their police and security agencies are fully engaged and are discharging their responsibilities,” he said.
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
In a release late Monday night, Toronto Mayor John Tory said he was “saddened” by the attack.
“My office has spoken to Chief Saunders and is advised that Toronto police are investigating with the assistance of federal authorities,” he said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely. In the meantime, I would like to wish those injured a speedy and full recovery.”
Anyone who may have witnessed anything in the area at the time of the attack is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
