Soldier dies after hit and run in Quebec in attack linked to ‘terror ideology’

Police say a car was driven deliberately into two soldiers, killing one of them in what Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney called an act of violence against Canada that was “clearly linked” to terrorist ideology. Blaney said Tuesday that Canada is taking terrorist threats seriously, adding that he was “horrified and saddened” by Monday’s incident in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Quebec provincial police announced the soldier’s death Tuesday morning and later identified him as Patrice Vincent, a 53-year-old warrant officer. The second soldier’s injuries were described as less serious, and police said they do not fear for his life. Several media outlets cited law enforcement sources in naming the suspect as Martin Rouleau, though police would not confirm his identity to The Canadian Press.

What took place yesterday is clearly linked to terrorist ideology. It is an unacceptable act of violence against our country, our Quebec values, our Canadian values.

Steven Blaney, public safety minister

On Tuesday, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson confirmed the suspect was one of 90 suspected extremists the RCMP believed were intending to join fights abroad or who have returned to Canada. Jeff Yaworski, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) deputy director of operations, told the Senate national security and defence committee Monday that the spy service must prioritise efforts to keep its eye on dozens of “radicalised” returnees. CSIS says between 130 to 145 Canadians are overseas taking part in guerrilla-style battles waged by the Islamic State and other such groups, as well as supporting extremists through fundraising and propaganda.

It is something that concerns us greatly and it is our No. 1 priority.

Jeff Yaworski, CSIS deputy director of operations

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