Authorities: Terror Ideology Behind Canadian Attack
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Authorities say terrorist ideology caused a recent convert to Islam to drive his car into two Canadian soldiers, killing one.
The suspect, Martin Couture Rouleau, was eventually shot and killed by police.
The public safety minister called the attack, which happened Monday in a city near Montreal, a "terrible act of violence against our country, against our military and against our values" and "clearly linked to terrorist ideology."
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his condolences.
"We are aware of these reports, and they are obviously extremely troubling. First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," Harper said. "We're closely monitoring the situation, and obviously we will make available all of the resources of the federal government."
Police say the suspect, 25-year-old Rouleau, sat in his car outside a veterans' support center for at least two hours before hitting the two Canadian soldiers and leaving the scene.
Police chased Rouleau for a few miles before he lost control of the car, which rolled over several times.
Investigators say the suspect waved a knife when he got out of the vehicle. Police then opened fire, killing Rouleau.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police say authorities knew Rouleau, and he recently had his passport seized.
"He was part of our investigative efforts to try and identify those people who might commit a criminal act traveling abroad for terrorist purposes," RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson said
Paulson also said Rouleau was one of 90 suspected extremists in the country with the goal of joining fights overseas or who have returned to Canada.
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