At a news conference shortly after 9 this morning, Justice Minister Peter Mackay said it was not terrorism but instead “appeared to be a group of murderous misfits.”
Mackay said it appears so far two of the people involved met online, and shared similar views and comments about public shootings.
He did not elaborate on the target venue in Halifax for the shooting, but did say there was extra security in place.
Mackay did not add further details about the case but did praise the work of police, and the members of the public who provided the initial tip to authorities.
He also took the opportunity to speak about the importance of the anti terrorism law currently before Parliament, citing the importance of giving police the right tools to thwart attacks like this.
However, he did stress the point this was not a terrorist attack, because it was not “culturally based.”
