RCMP national security unit seeks public video, pictures of Edmonton attack

FILE: RCMP E Division headquarters in Surrey, B.C. (Photo: waferboard/Flickr, CC BY 2.0.)

EDMONTON — The RCMP unit that investigates threats to national security is asking citizens to share any video or pictures they have of the attacks on Saturday in Edmonton that injured a police officer and four pedestrians.

The Integrated National Security Enforcement Team says it is interested in images of a car that hit an Edmonton police officer and the stabbing of the officer.

The unit also says it would like to view any video or pictures of a U-Haul van that drove through the city and struck the pedestrians.

Abdulahi Hasan Sharif, a Somali refugee, is facing 11 charges including attempted murder, dangerous driving, criminal flight causing bodily harm and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

At one point, police said they were looking into the possibility of laying terrorism-related charges but so far none have been laid.

Sgt. Jack Poitras, a spokesman for RCMP K Division in Alberta, said such videos or pictures could help the police investigation.

“A lot of people may have either video footage on their phone or security camera,” he said Wednesday. “We would sure love to have it.”

People who may have such images are being asked to phone 780-449-0209.

Poitras said police have been canvassing businesses in the downtown area that may be equipped with security cameras.

“It can help us form evidence rather than have it out on YouTube or just people hanging onto it,” he said.

Sharif, 30, is being held at the Edmonton Remand Centre pending his next court appearance.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government is reviewing its handling of refugee claims following revelations that Sharif had been ordered deported from the U.S. in 2011.

The Canadian government has said that Sharif presented himself at a regular port of entry in 2012 and was cleared as a refugee in Canada.