RCMP lay terrorism charges against Edmonton city hall shooting suspect

A security guard alleged to have fired shots and thrown Molotov cocktails in Edmonton city hall in January is now facing several terrorism-related charges.

In a news release Monday, the RCMP said its Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) has charged Bezhani Sarvar, 28, with counselling commission of a terrorism offence and possession of property for terrorist purposes.

Sarvar is also facing nine criminal charges in connection with the Jan. 23 attack at city hall that led to a lockdown.

In its news release, the RCMP say the following criminal charges laid against Sarvar also constitute terrorism offences:

• Intentionally or recklessly cause damage by fire or explosion to property, knowing the property was inhabited.
• Intentionally possess incendiary material while committing an indictable offence.
• Use of a firearm while committing an indictable offence.
• Intentional discharge of a firearm while being reckless as to the life and safety of another person.
• Possession of a prohibited device  (two counts).
• Mischief.
• Carrying a concealed weapon.
• Possession of weapon for the purpose of committing an offence.

No one was injured during the attack.

Sarvar is being held at the Calgary Remand Centre.

He is scheduled for a bail hearing on Tuesday, according to court records.

Sarvar had worked for security company Corps of Commissionaires since 2019. He was assigned to a variety of locations across Edmonton but never worked as part of the security detail in city hall, the company said in a news release last month.