'Potential Terrorist Threat' Thwarted in Canada, Suspect Killed, Police Say
The suspect was behind a "potential terrorist threat," the RCMP said.
— -- A "potential" terrorist threat on Canadian soil has been thwarted, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced Wednesday night.
The suspected ISIS sympathizer was killed during a "dramatic police takedown" in a home in the town of Strathroy, Ontario, located about 140 miles west of Toronto, CTV News reported.
The individual, identified by CTV News as Aaron Driver, 23, was known to Canadian intelligence and police officials for his support of the terror group. Police believe Driver was acting alone in the alleged plot, according to the Canadian broadcaster.
Prior to news of the suspect's death, the RCMP released a statement, which read, "Earlier today, the RCMP received credible information of a potential terrorist threat. A suspect was identified and the proper course of action has been taken to ensure that there is no danger to the public's safety."
CTV News said the suspect, who acted alone, was planning a suicide bomb plot on a major, unidentified Canadian city.
Canada's national police force did not elaborate on the threat, but added, it takes "all such threats seriously."
CTV News reported that Canadian officials circulated a memo across government about an imminent terrorist attack. There were concerns a lone-male attacker was going to carry out a suicide attack today against a major Canadian city, CTV News reported.
The internal government document obtained by CTV News says there was concern among national security agencies the suspect was going to carry out a suicide bombing via IED. It was believed he was going to try and target a public area, and try to create mass casualties. Sources tell CTV he was affiliated with ISIS.
The RCMP declined to comment further but urged vigilance.