Terrorism charges laid after knife attack on Surrey, B.C., bus

A B.C. man who allegedly slashed a man's throat on a transit bus in Surrey, B.C., on Saturday is facing terrorism charges.

According to court documents filed by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, the man is alleged to have committed the assault for "the Islamic State" commonly known as ISIS.

Abdul Aziz Kawam, born in 1995, faces four terrorism charges for attempted murder, aggravated assault and two counts of assault related to the attack.

He was arrested after a stabbing on a bus travelling near the Fraser Highway and 148 Street in Surrey, B.C., just after 9:30 a.m. PT Saturday.

Metro Vancouver Transit Police say the suspect had threatened someone at a bus stop before allegedly attacking a different person after boarding.

Saturday, police say there was an "altercation" between two men on board the bus. According to transit police,the struggle happenednear the back doors of the bus, and the driver heard what was happening and pulled over. Approximately20 people were on board at the time.

"During that altercation, one of the men allegedly took out a knife and slashed the other male's throat," Const. Amanda Steed told CBC News on Sunday.

Police said the victim was able to pushthe suspectout the back doors of the busafter being slashed.

The victim was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries but is expected to make a full recovery.

Transit Police told CBC News thata nurse at the hospital told them the victim only survived because the knife used in the attack was dull.

Kawam also allegedly assaulted another victim before the slashing. According to Steed, he approached thevictim at the bus stop on Fraser Highway and 152 Street and "brandished the knife, holding it to the victim's throat."That person was able to push the assailant away and escape unharmed.

Metro Vancouver Transit Police say they discovered during their investigation that the suspect made several concerning comments, leading investigators to notify the RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team.

RCMP say the enforcement team consulted with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada on the terrorism charges.

Kawam appeared in court in Surrey on Monday morning.He remains in custody and is to appear in court again on Wednesday.