Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his public safety minister are delivering messages of sorrow 鈥� but not panic 鈥� in the aftermath of a Toronto man鈥檚 deadly rampage through city streets in a van.
In an early morning statement, Trudeau said there is no apparent link to terrorism, adding that all Canadians are standing with Toronto as it continues to reel from the attack.
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鈥淭he events that took place yesterday in Toronto were a senseless attack and a horrific tragedy,鈥� Trudeau said, extending condolences to the victims and thanks to the first responders on the scene.
鈥淭hey handled this extremely difficult situation with professionalism and bravery. They faced danger without a moment of hesitation, and there is no doubt that their courage saved lives and prevented further injuries.鈥�
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But while Trudeau says the investigation into the incident is still underway, he says there is no evidence to suggest there is a 鈥渘ational security element鈥� to the situation.
鈥淎ll Canadians are with Toronto today 鈥� in our hearts, in our prayers and in our thoughts.鈥�
Meanwhile, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, who happens to be in Toronto for a meeting with other G7 national security ministers, says the attack has led to 鈥渁 very large homicide investigation,鈥� with city police at the helm and every level of government taking part.
Goodale thanked other countries, especially the United States, for their condolences and offers of help. And he, too, commended the first responders.
Like Trudeau, he reiterated that the investigation 鈥渨hat happened and why鈥� has only just begun, but sees no reason to draw any links to a national security risk or organized attack.
The and first responders faced danger without hesitation today, and I want to thank them for their courage and professionalism. We鈥檒l continue working with our law enforcement partners as the investigation continues.
鈥� Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau)
The attack began Monday afternoon when a man allegedly drove a van down a busy stretch of sidewalk on Yonge Street in the city鈥檚 north end.
Toronto police have arrested 25-year-old Alek Minassian in the incident.
Minassian is due to appear in court later today.
MEDIA ADVISORY:
鈥� Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice)
Alek Minassian, 25
-He will appear in court Tuesday, April 24, 2018
-10 am at 1000 Finch Avenue West court
-Information on charges to be released at that time
^dh
The Canadian Press
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