Two Surrey residents charged with "al-Qaeda inspired" terrorist plot to attack the B.C. legislature

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      Terrorism charges have been filed against a Surrey man and woman for allegedly attempting to attack the B.C. legislature in Victoria.

      The plot was planned for Canada Day (July 1) and involved improvised explosive devices based on pressure cookers, according to information released at an RCMP press conference held this morning (July 2).

      The accused are John Stewart Nuttall and Amanda Marie Korody. Both have been charged with knowingly facilitating terrorist activity, conspiring to place an explosive device in a public space with an intent to cause death or serious bodily injury, and with making or having in their possession an explosive substance with an intent to cause death or serious bodily injury. The suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

      According to the RCMP, Nuttall, 38, and Korody, 28 (ages approximated), “were inspired by al-Qaeda ideology”, were “self-radicalized”, and possessed no known ties to international terrorist groups or individuals.

      RCMP representatives answering questions at the press conference would not say what specific form that inspiration took beyond stressing an intention to commit violent acts.

      In response to a reporter’s questions about a possible religious motive, an RCMP officer again emphasized the accused individuals’ “self-radicalization” and held an intent to commit acts of violence.

      “These individuals were inspired by al-Qaeda ideology,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner James Malizia. “Our investigation demonstrated that this was a domestic threat, without international linkages.”

      Questions regarding to what extent Canadian authorities were involved with the alleged attackers during the investigation also largely went unanswered.

      An RCMP officer said that the investigation began in February 2013 and that at no point was there a threat to the public.

      Representatives refused to say whether or not any security agency employees at any time posed as collaborators with the accused attackers, a strategy favoured by the FBI that has received criticism in the United States.

      “It’s very difficult to discuss the actual techniques,” one RCMP officer said. “I can say that as these devices were constructed, we were in very tight control.”

      He added: “The RCMP and its partner agencies used all available resources.”

      Nuttall and Korody were scheduled to appear in a Surrey court this morning. They remain innocent until proven guilty.

      You can follow Travis Lupick on Twitter at twitter.com/tlupick.

      Comments

      30 Comments

      Mr.Soft

      Jul 2, 2013 at 12:51pm

      Is this another excuse to continue spying on Canadians?

      Jiff

      Jul 2, 2013 at 1:01pm

      Great transparency! But I heard "al Qaeda," so I guess I'll be relieved now.

      iang

      Jul 2, 2013 at 2:44pm

      thanks GS for asking some questions, other reports seem to be lacking any detail on how the RCMP were in "control" of the situation

      Rick in Richmond

      Jul 2, 2013 at 2:52pm

      If the Crown proves its case in court, lives will have been saved.

      If the RCMP has assembled fact, evidence and documentation, they are to be thanked and congratulated. After the Boston Marathon massacre, we cannot be surprised when copy-cat lunatics attempt the same elsewhere.

      And if the RCMP intervened at an early stage, and rendered the bomb(s) unworkable, they are to be praised for first-class police action.

      All of this still has to be tried at court, but they seem to have stopped a Boston-style mass murder. If so, there are people happy with their families today who might have been killed yesterday.

      We condemned the RCMP when they electrocuted Robert Dziekanski at YVR. In turn, they must be thanked when they save lives, as they appear to have done in this instance. Fair is fair, and thanks are due.

      Teeder

      Jul 2, 2013 at 3:12pm

      I've been watching for comments like the one from "Mr. Soft" Democracy is caught on both edges of a very sharp sword. One side cuts into us when home-made bombs explode and kill innocent people, on the other side many of us are sympathetic with the Snowdens of the world. Its annoying to go through airport security but so far it beats choice number two.

      Vince Kelly

      Jul 2, 2013 at 3:53pm

      No explosives were found (or provided). No timer or cell phone receiver was found, or provided. Just cookware and some fasteners.

      Is this how low the RCMP has sunk in its desperation to make front page news and to justify their bloated budgets?

      Ron S.

      Jul 2, 2013 at 3:57pm

      How convenient in the middle of Crusty's campaign. I think it's a setup.

      Paul

      Jul 2, 2013 at 4:01pm

      Interesting that no one much cares and no one much believes the RCMP. Far from any proof of anything IMHO. The credibility of "law enforcement" is at such an all time low that people actually have the first impression that they are lying and pretending for a reason.

      James G

      Jul 2, 2013 at 4:18pm

      Good comments! There is something to consider in each one.

      NOT from Surrey

      Jul 2, 2013 at 4:20pm

      I am not certain what is wrong with some of you people. The RCMP prevented an incident that could have killed and/or injured many people.