As Twitchy reported Wednesday night, police had announced that a terror suspect with ties to ISIS had been killed, likely at some point during an hours-long standoff outside the man’s house in the city of Strathroy, Ontario.
Police gave more details on the incident Thursday, and say Wednesday’s action was a race against time. Suspect Aaron Driver, who also went by Harun Abdurahman, was literally days away from detonating a bomb in a crowded area and had recorded a “martyrdom video” warning Canada that it was not safe from retaliation for joining in the fight against the Islamic State.
Canadian police say man in Ontario raid was in final stages of attack plan https://t.co/fYZDVnBdeT pic.twitter.com/t9bvaKEPUk
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 11, 2016
Reporters confirm that Driver had set off an explosive Wednesday while trying to make a getaway inside a cab and was then taken down by the RCMP.
RCMP say Driver detonated a device after getting in a taxi. Then died in an exchange with police.
— Mercedes Stephenson (@MercedesGlobal) August 11, 2016
Police confirm that Driver shot at RCMP tactical team after injuring himself detonating an explosive device in the cab.
— Mercedes Stephenson (@MercedesGlobal) August 11, 2016
#Canada suicide bomber killed after detonated device in cab outside home. Had recorded #ISIS martyrdom video >> pic.twitter.com/rJVzILRF3X
— Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) August 11, 2016
#Strathroy cab driver injured in RCMP terror raid dispatched to scene, forced to crawl away, suffered scrapes and bruises.
— Jennifer Bieman (@JenatLFPress) August 11, 2016
Recommended
The cab driver was treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to taxi company. He's taking to day off work. "He's shaken up a bit."
— Jennifer Bieman (@JenatLFPress) August 11, 2016
The National Post reports that Driver, 24, originally from Winnipeg, told the cab driver to take him to Citi Plaza in nearby London, Ontario, but the taxi never made it out of the driveway.
Father of #Canada suicide bomber tells @CTVNews #AaronDriver "hated the world… feared would kill us while asleep" https://t.co/C6QPJxPDAd
— Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) August 11, 2016
Driver’s father, a retired military officer, told the National Post that he didn’t blame the police for his son’s death: “They way I see it they did what they had to do. He would not surrender. I’m sure they gave him ample chances,” he said. “They did what they had to do so do I blame them? Not at all.”
Attack was intended for next 72 hours. Likely to target an urban centre. Morning or afternoon rush hour.
— Jennifer Bieman (@JenatLFPress) August 11, 2016
Potential target list from internal govt terror memo: Airports, bus stations, train stations, bus terminals, waterfronts, rush hour traffic
— Mercedes Stephenson (@MercedesGlobal) August 11, 2016
Driver’s martyrdom video was screened at a press conference. It included references to recent attacks in France and Belgium.
It begins. "Oh Canada. You've received many warnings."
— Jennifer Bieman (@JenatLFPress) August 11, 2016
References attacks in Belgium and France. Driver: Canada not safe from retaliation.
— Jennifer Bieman (@JenatLFPress) August 11, 2016
Credit goes to the FBI for tipping off the RCMP to the video.
RCMP received credible tip from FBI including "martyrdom video" – A man in the final stages of planning an attack.
— Jennifer Bieman (@JenatLFPress) August 11, 2016
Related:
Bomb squad on scene of police standoff in Ontario, possible home of ISIS supporter; Suspect dead
Police thwart ISIS-linked bombing plot targeting major Canadian city
Join the conversation as a VIP Member