Alek Minassian suspected driver in Toronto van attack that killed 10

Twenty-five-year-old Richmond Hill resident Alek Minassian has been identified as the driver of a van that killed 10 in Toronto Monday.

Chief Mark Saunders made the announcement during a news conference Monday evening.

Police said they received the first call before 1:30 p.m. Officers received reports of a white rental van hitting a number of pedestrians while driving south on Yonge Street. The male driver was arrested by police after 1:50 p.m.

Saunders said investigators are still trying to determine the suspect’s motive, but as of Monday evening, the suspect’s actions appeared to be “deliberate.”

Saunders said, “At this particular point in time, there is nothing that does affect the national security footprint. We are looking very strongly to what the exact motive or motivation was for this particular incident to take place and at the end of the day, we will have a fulsome answer and a fulsome account as to what the conclusion of this is."

Saunders said the suspect wasn’t known to police. He said since the investigation is still early, police aren’t confirming if the incident was an act of terrorism

“We don’t rule out anything. What we have to do is we have to follow what we have,” he said.

“It’s very early in the investigation right now. You have to appreciate that there has to be forensic investigations, digital and otherwise. There has to be witnesses not just what may have occurred but witnesses that may have information based on the person that we’re alleging has done this.”

Alek Minassian, 25, has been arrested in connection to a van attack in Toronto that killed at least 10 people on April 23, 2018.

 

Toronto police have established two telephone lines in response to the attack. For those who are missing a friend or family member, they are encouraged to call 416-808-8085. For those who witnessed the attack and haven’t spoken with police, they are encouraged to call 416-808-8750 or file information