On March 2, 2024, the RCMP Federal Policing Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) arrested and charged a 28-year-old in relation to the attack on Edmonton City Hall on Jan. 23, 2024.
Bezhani Sarvar, a resident of Edmonton, was charged by the RCMP with:
- Counselling commission of terrorism offence contrary to section 83.221(1) of the Criminal Code; and,
- Possession of property for terrorist purposes contrary to section 83.04 of the Criminal Code.
These charges are in conjunction with the following charges which also constitute terrorism offences pursuant to sections 2, 83.01(1)(b) and 83.27 of the Criminal Code of Canada:
- Intentionally or recklessly cause damage by fire or explosion to property, knowing the property was inhabited contrary to section 433(a) of the Criminal Code;
- Intentionally possess incendiary material while committing an indictable offence contrary to section 436.1 of the Criminal Code;
- Use of a firearm while committing an indictable offence contrary to section 85(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;
- Intentional discharge of a firearm while being reckless as to the life and safety of another person contrary to section 244.2(1)(b) of the Criminal Code;
- Possession of a prohibited device contrary to section 92(2) of the Criminal Code (x2);
- Mischief contrary to section 430(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;
- Carrying a concealed weapon contrary to section 90(1) of the Criminal Code; and,
- Possession of weapon for the purpose of committing an offence contrary to section 88(1) of the Criminal Code.
Sarvar remains in custody at the Calgary Remand Centre and is scheduled to appear on March 5, 2024. The criminal investigation is ongoing and now before the court and, as such, the RCMP will not be making any further comments at this time.
INSET would like to acknowledge the exceptional work done by the Edmonton Police Service and their assistance in the ongoing national security investigation.
The RCMP encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report any information on terrorism or related suspicious activity to the National Security Information Network at 1-800-420-5805 or by email at RCMP.NSIN-RISN.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or to their local police. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, please call 911.