SURREY: A man is in custody and is facing multiple charges relating to two assaults, one at a bus stop, and a second on a bus, in which one man received serious injuries.
On April 1 2023, the Surrey RCMP and the Metro Vancouver Transit Police responded to an assault with a weapon complaint where one man was stabbed.
On April 2, 2023 as a result of information collected during the initial investigation, Federal Policing’s BC (E Division) Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (EINSET) assumed conduct of the investigation and has consulted with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC).
As a result of the investigation conducted thus far, Abdul Aziz Kawam has been charged with:
· Attempt to Commit Murder, in association with a Terrorist Group [Sec. 83.2 C.C.]
· Assault Causing Bodily Harm, in association with a Terrorist Group [Sec. 83.2 C.C.]
· Aggravated Assault, in association with a Terrorist Group [Sec. 83.2 C.C.]
· Assault with a Weapon, in association with a Terrorist Group [Sec. 83.2 C.C.]
The amended charges relate to allegations the assaults were carried out for the Islamic State.
“While our investigation is ongoing, the Federal RCMP’s EINSET is continuing to work with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, and our law enforcement partners,” says Superintendent David Teboul, Acting Deputy Criminal Operations Officer in charge of Federal Policing Branch in BC. “We remain committed to uncovering all the facts relating to this disturbing and unprovoked assault, and value the work and collaboration from our policing partners, the Metro Vancouver Transit Police and Surrey RCMP Detachment.”
Kawam appeared in Court on April 3, 2023 and is being held in custody pending his next court appearance.
No further information is being released at this time.
