At least ten people were killed and 15 injured after a van plowed into pedestrians along a sidewalk called Yonge Street in Toronto on Monday.The day after this incident Canadians are grieving and looking for answers to the explain the attack.
Police in Toronto say they are still trying to pin down a motive while expressing certainty that the suspect intentionally plowed into the victims. Authorities say they have yet to find any evidence tying the incident to international terrorism.
But as investigators continue to process the mile-long crime scene, Toronto residents are asking a simple question: Why?
The prime minister also thanked first responders “who managed this extremely difficult situation with courage and professionalism.”
“They faced danger without hesitation, and their efforts no doubt saved lives and prevented further injuries,” he said.
What is known of the suspect?
Suspect Alek Minassian is due to appear in court on Tuesday morning.
Police said Minassian was from the northern Toronto suburb of Richmond Hill and was not previously known to authorities.
“The actions definitely looked deliberate,” said Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders.
What about the victims?
So far, the name of only one of those who died has emerged.
She has been identified as Anne-Marie D’Amico, who worked for the US investment company, Invesco, CBC reports. The company’s Canadian headquarters are on Yonge Street.
A South Korean foreign ministry official told AFP news agency that two of its citizens were among the dead.
The 15 injured remain in hospitals throughout Toronto.