Two people have been stabbed to death in Quebec and five others injured by a man wearing medieval style clothing. The attack took place as Halloween celebrations got underway in the Canadian province.
A suspect in his 20s has been arrested and, thus, far is not believed to be involved with terrorism or Islamic extremism. Instead, authorities are so far pointing towards the attack being the result of mental illness.
The victims have been named as 56-year-old Francois Duchesne and 61-year-old Suzanne Clermont, while the suspect has been named as 24-year old Carl Girouard.
It is thought that the individual already has a conviction for attacking someone 'in a medical context 5 years ago'. The police do say that this attack was pre-planned and that the suspect had travelled from Montreal to Quebec City with the explicit intention of attacking individuals at random.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted in response to the attack:
"My heart breaks for the loved ones of the two killed in last night's horrific attack in Quebec City. I'm also wishing a full recovery to the injured. We're keeping you in our thoughts and will be there for all of you."
To the people of Quebec City, and to all Quebecers: Canadians across the country are with you. Our hearts go out to the families of François Duchesne and Suzanne Clermont, and to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy. https://t.co/3Cxgxdh48z
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 1, 2020
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the opposition Canadian New Democratic Party, also tweeted his condolences saying:
"It's hard to comprehend the senseless violence that occurred in Quebec City, last night. My thoughts are with friends and family who lost loved ones. For the injured, I wish for a speedy recovery and I express gratitude for the courage of first responders."
It's hard to comprehend the senseless violence that occurred in Quebec City, last night.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) November 1, 2020
My thoughts are with friends and family who lost loved ones.
For the injured, I wish for a speedy recovery and I express gratitude for the courage of first responders.
At a police press conference Quebec City Police Chief, Robert Pigeon, said the suspect came to the city with:
"The intention of doing the most damage possible. Dressed in medieval costume and armed with a Japanese sword, everything leads us to believe he chose his victims at random."
The suspect was arrested near the Espace 400e business park and it was reported that he was lying on the ground, barefoot, and suffering from hypothermia when the police apprehended him, further backing up the belief that his actions were the result of severe mental illness.
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