2018 Toronto van attack#Perpetrator

{{Redirect|2018 Toronto attack|the mass shooting in July, known locally as the Danforth shooting|2018 Toronto shooting}}

{{Infobox civilian attack

| title = 2018 Toronto van attack

| partof =

| image = 2018 Toronto van attack.png

| caption = A CCTV still of the van moments before hitting pedestrians

| map = {{Location map|width=240|float=center|Canada Toronto#Canada|lat_deg=43.7693|lon_deg=-79.41295|label=Attack location|label_width=8|position=top}}

| location = North York City Centre, North York, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

| target = Pedestrians, particularly women

| coordinates =

| date = {{start date and age|2018|04|23}}

| timezone = EDT

| time-begin = 1:22

| time-end = 1:32 p.m.

| type = Vehicle-ramming attack, mass murder, copycat crime

| fatalities = 11 (including a victim who died in 2021){{cite news|date=November 12, 2021|title='A huge loss': Yonge Street van attack victim Amaresh Tesfamariam missed 'every day'|url=https://www.toronto.com/news-story/10517336--a-huge-loss-yonge-street-van-attack-victim-amaresh-tesfamariam-missed-every-day-/|work=Toronto.com|location=Toronto, Ontario, Canada|access-date=November 12, 2021|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112134240/https://www.toronto.com/news-story/10517336--a-huge-loss-yonge-street-van-attack-victim-amaresh-tesfamariam-missed-every-day-/|url-status=live}}

| injuries = 15

| weapon = Chevrolet Express van

| motive = Disputed:

Acquiring fame/infamy, misogynist terrorism, revenge for sexual and social rejection, incel ideology (prosecution)
Severe mental illness (defence)

| perp = Alek Minassian

| verdict = Guilty on all counts

| convictions = 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder

{{Infobox event

| title =

| child = yes

| sentence = Life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for 25 years

}}

{{OSM Location map

| coord = {{coord|43.771081|-79.414052}}

| zoom = 13

| float = right

| width = 240

| height = 200

| caption =

| title =

|scalemark =

|shape = image

|mark = Red pog.svg

|mark-size = 6

|mark-coord = {{coord|43.779556|-79.415672}}

|label = Attack began

|label-color = red

|label-post = top

|mark-title = Attack began

|mark-coord1 = {{coord|43.759864|-79.411529}}

|mark-size1 = 6

|label1 = Van stopped

|label-color1 = red

|label-pos1 = top

|mark-title1 = Van stopped

|mark-coord2 = {{coord|43.7678|-79.4128}}

|mark-size2 = 6

|label2 = Mel Lastman Square

|label-color2 = red

|label-pos2 = top

|mark-title2 = Mel Lastman Square

}}

A vehicle-ramming attack occurred on April 23, 2018, when a rented van was driven along Yonge Street through the North York City Centre business district in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The driver, 25-year-old Alek Minassian, targeted pedestrians, killing 11{{refn|group=n|Ten of the victims died on the day of the attack and the 11th victim initially survived the attack but died on October 28, 2021, after being paralyzed from the neck down and never leaving the hospital.}} and injuring 15, some critically.{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-toronto-van-attack-what-we-know-so-far/|first=Melissa|last=Tait|title=Toronto van attack: What we know about the lives lost, the suspect and more|access-date=April 26, 2018|work=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426015802/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-toronto-van-attack-what-we-know-so-far/|url-status=live}} The incident, alongside the 2025 Vancouver car attack, is the deadliest vehicle-ramming attack in Canadian history.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/23/world/toronto-van.html|title=Toronto Van Plows Along Sidewalk, Killing 9 in 'Pure Carnage'|last1=Austen|first1=Ian|last2=Stack|first2=Liam|date=April 23, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 23, 2018|archive-date=May 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511020925/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/23/world/toronto-van.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20180424-live-canada-pm-trudeau-address-media-toronto-van-attack|title=Canada's Trudeau says security unchanged after Toronto van attack|date=April 24, 2018|work=France 24|access-date=April 24, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424151220/http://www.france24.com/en/20180424-live-canada-pm-trudeau-address-media-toronto-van-attack|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=A Grim History of Mass Killings in Canada|url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/toronto-star/20180424/281586651202283|via=PressReader.com|work=Toronto Star|date=April 24, 2018|access-date=April 25, 2018|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425115014/https://www.pressreader.com/canada/toronto-star/20180424/281586651202283|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=A history of violence on Canadian soil|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/23/a-history-of-violence-on-canadian-soil.html|work=Toronto Star|access-date=November 1, 2018|archive-date=June 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622220322/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/23/a-history-of-violence-on-canadian-soil.html|url-status=live}}

The attack started at the intersection of Yonge Street and Finch Avenue and proceeded south along the sidewalks of Yonge Street to near Sheppard Avenue. Nine of the eleven killed were women.{{cite news |last1=Porter |first1=Catherine |title=Eight of 10 Victims in Toronto Van Rampage Were Women |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/27/world/canada/eight-of-10-victims-in-toronto-van-rampage-were-women.html |access-date=December 6, 2020 |work=New York Times |date=April 27, 2018 |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609165531/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/27/world/canada/eight-of-10-victims-in-toronto-van-rampage-were-women.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last1=Golding|first1=Janice|date=November 4, 2021|title='It's so sad, heartbreaking': Nurse paralyzed after Toronto van attack dies|url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/it-s-so-sad-heartbreaking-nurse-paralyzed-after-toronto-van-attack-dies-1.5652799|work=CTV News|location=Toronto, Ontario, Canada|access-date=November 4, 2021|archive-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104221823/https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/it-s-so-sad-heartbreaking-nurse-paralyzed-after-toronto-van-attack-dies-1.5652799|url-status=live}} The perpetrator was arrested just south of the crime scene, after leaving the van and reportedly attempting to commit suicide by cop. The arrest was made at 1:32{{Nbsp}}p.m.{{Nbsp}}EDT, seven minutes after the first 9-1-1 call was made.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/toronto-star/20180425/281556586433723|title=Rampage victims mainly women|first1=Wendy|last1=Gillis|first2=Betsy|last2=Powell|work=Toronto Star|via=www.pressreader.com|date=April 25, 2018|access-date=April 26, 2018|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426080448/https://www.pressreader.com/canada/toronto-star/20180425/281556586433723|url-status=live}}

The attack is characterized as misogynist terrorism by some because it was motivated by revenge for perceived sexual and social rejection by women.{{Cite web |last=Boy |first=Louis |date=2018-04-25 |title=Attaque à Toronto : on vous explique qui sont les Incels, ces célibataires misogynes dont se revendique le suspect |url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/canada/attaque-a-toronto-on-vous-explique-qui-sont-les-incels-ces-celibataires-misogynes-dont-se-revendique-le-suspect_2722231.html |access-date= |website=France Info |language=fr-FR}} At the time of his arrest, Minassian described himself as an incel to the police,{{cite web |url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto-van-attack-trial-postponed-again-alek-minassian-s-lawyer-confirms-1.4869252 |first=Codi |last=Wilson |title=Toronto van attack trial postponed again, Alek Minassian's lawyer confirms |access-date=July 17, 2020 |work=CTV News |date=March 26, 2020 |location=Toronto |archive-date=March 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327130522/https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto-van-attack-trial-postponed-again-alek-minassian-s-lawyer-confirms-1.4869252 |url-status=live }} and in prior social media postings, he described the upcoming attack as a continuation of the "incel rebellion" started by the late Elliot Rodger.{{cite news |title=Toronto van attack suspect says he was 'radicalized' online by 'incels' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/27/alek-minassian-toronto-van-attack-interview-incels |access-date=18 July 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=27 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927203358/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/27/alek-minassian-toronto-van-attack-interview-incels |archive-date=27 September 2019 |language=English}} Minassian pleaded not criminally responsible to the 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder in November 2020, but was found to be guilty on all counts in March 2021.{{Cite web|last=Gillies|first=Rob|date=March 3, 2021|title=Man who used van to kill 10 pedestrians in Toronto guilty|url=https://apnews.com/article/world-news-toronto-alek-minassian-coronavirus-pandemic-15af231df8d4727d78c2456eeebef29a|access-date=March 19, 2021|website=The Associated Press|archive-date=April 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412151507/https://apnews.com/article/world-news-toronto-alek-minassian-coronavirus-pandemic-15af231df8d4727d78c2456eeebef29a|url-status=live}} Anne Molloy, the judge of the case, said that "working out his exact motivation for this attack is{{nbsp}}... close to impossible," but she "was inclined to accept" assessments by multiple expert witnesses that Minassian likely lied to the police and that notoriety was his main motivation, although misogyny or incel ideology may have still played some role.{{Cite web|last1=Rozdilsky|first1=Jack L.|last2=Snowden|first2=Edward|date=March 4, 2021|title=Toronto van attack: Guilty verdict, but Canada still needs to tackle ideological violence|url=http://theconversation.com/toronto-van-attack-guilty-verdict-but-canada-still-needs-to-tackle-ideological-violence-156452|access-date=March 19, 2021|website=The Conversation|language=en|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310002647/https://theconversation.com/toronto-van-attack-guilty-verdict-but-canada-still-needs-to-tackle-ideological-violence-156452|url-status=live}} On June 13, 2022, Minassian was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 25 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.cp24.com/news/these-lives-were-precious-toronto-van-attacker-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-1.5944277|title='These lives were precious': Toronto van attacker sentenced to life in prison|publisher=cp24.com|date=June 13, 2022|access-date=June 16, 2022|archive-date=June 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616175951/https://www.cp24.com/news/these-lives-were-precious-toronto-van-attacker-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-1.5944277|url-status=live}}

Attack

File:Police van with body (39851221940).jpg at the scene]]

The first 9-1-1 call reporting pedestrians being hit was received at 1:25 p.m. Eastern Time.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/pedestrians-struck-white-van-1.4631564|title=9 dead, 16 injured after van strikes pedestrians in North York|work=CBC News|date=April 23, 2018|access-date=April 23, 2018|archive-date=July 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701084216/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/pedestrians-struck-white-van-1.4631564|url-status=live}} At Finch Avenue, a white Chevrolet Express van, rented from Ryder, ran a red light, then drove southbound on the west-side sidewalk of Yonge Street, striking multiple pedestrians. The van continued along the sidewalk for several more blocks, striking additional pedestrians. Security camera video from a local business shows the van reaching Tolman Street, which is one block south of Finch Avenue, at 1:24 p.m. At one point, the van re-entered the roadway due to the narrowness of the sidewalk, but at Park Home Avenue, the van again drove onto the sidewalk, hitting pedestrians in front of Mel Lastman Square, a civic plaza on the west side of Yonge Street, {{convert|1.4|km}} south of Finch Avenue (16 blocks).{{cite web |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-twenty-five-minutes-of-horror-on-yonge-street-how-the-attack-unfolded/ |title=Twenty-five minutes of horror on Yonge Street: How the Toronto van attack unfolded |access-date=April 27, 2018 |work=The Globe and Mail |first1=Ann |last1=Hui |first2=Joe |last2=Friesen |first3=Oliver |last3=Moore |first4=Heather |last4=Norman |date=April 23, 2018 |archive-date=April 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428052519/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-twenty-five-minutes-of-horror-on-yonge-street-how-the-attack-unfolded/ |url-status=live }}

Paramedics were immediately called to the site, and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre was activated as an emergency centre.

A single police officer in traffic control capacity,{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/25/toronto-police-holding-presser-wednesday-on-const-ken-lam-arresting-officer-in-toronto-van-rampage.html|title=Arresting officer Ken Lam wonders: 'Did I make the right decision?'|work=Toronto Star|first1=Wendy|last1=Gillis|first2=Jenna|last2=Moon|date=April 25, 2018|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428094137/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/25/toronto-police-holding-presser-wednesday-on-const-ken-lam-arresting-officer-in-toronto-van-rampage.html|url-status=live}} Toronto Police Service constable Ken Lam, intercepted the damaged van, which was stopped on the north sidewalk on Poyntz Avenue, just west of Yonge Street and two blocks south of Sheppard Avenue, about {{convert|2.3|km}} south of where the attack began. Lam stopped his unmarked cruiser near the van and confronted the suspected driver, later identified as Alek Minassian, standing near the opened driver-side door.

File:MelLastmanSquare - 2015June03.jpg in June 2015|alt= aerial view of Mel Lastman Square looking west from across the street]]

During the confrontation, the driver of the van repeatedly drew his hand from his back pocket and pointed a dark-coloured object toward the officer as if it were a pistol.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/23/several-pedestrians-struck-van-toronto/|title=Suspect named after van ploughs into pedestrians in Toronto leaving ten dead and 15 injured|last1=Sabur|first1=Rozina|date=April 23, 2018|work=The Telegraph|access-date=April 24, 2018|last2=Riley-Smith|first2=Ben|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235|last3=Guly|first3=Christopher|last4=Crilly|first4=Rob|archive-date=June 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614030005/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/23/several-pedestrians-struck-van-toronto/|url-status=live}} Lam ordered the driver to drop to the ground, while the driver tried repeatedly to provoke the officer to kill him, demanding he be shot "in the head!" when the officer warned him he may be shot. Lam then went to his cruiser and turned off its siren. As the driver and Lam advanced towards each other, the officer recognized that the object in the driver's hand was not a gun, holstered his pistol, and took out his baton to avoid the use of unnecessary lethal force. The driver then dropped the object from his hand, lay down on the ground and surrendered to Lam. He was arrested at 1:32 p.m.

Victims

Nine people died at the scenes. The same evening, at 8:15 p.m., the Toronto Police Service announced that a tenth person had died.{{cite web |website=sunnybrook.ca |publisher=Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre |url=https://sunnybrook.ca/media/item.asp?c=1&i=1730&f=yonge-finch-incident |title=Sunnybrook receives injured from Yonge and Finch |date=April 23, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708191448/https://sunnybrook.ca/media/item.asp?c=1&i=1730&f=yonge-finch-incident |url-status=live }} An eleventh person died on October 28, 2021, after being paralyzed from the neck down and never leaving the hospital.{{cite news |date=November 12, 2021 |title='A huge loss': Yonge Street van attack victim Amaresh Tesfamariam missed 'every day' |url=https://www.toronto.com/news-story/10517336--a-huge-loss-yonge-street-van-attack-victim-amaresh-tesfamariam-missed-every-day-/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112134240/https://www.toronto.com/news-story/10517336--a-huge-loss-yonge-street-van-attack-victim-amaresh-tesfamariam-missed-every-day-/ |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |access-date=November 12, 2021 |work=Toronto.com |location=Toronto, Ontario, Canada}} The dead, aged 22 to 94, consisted of nine women and two men, including two South Korean nationals{{Cite news|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4169907/toronto-van-attack-sohe-chung-dead/|title=Toronto van attack victim identified as So He Chung, 22|work=Global News|access-date=April 28, 2018|first=Maham|last=Abedi|language=en|date=April 26, 2018|archive-date=April 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427063804/https://globalnews.ca/news/4169907/toronto-van-attack-sohe-chung-dead/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=2018-04-28 |title=토론토 차량돌진 사망자 정소희·김지훈씨 등 확인 |url=https://news.koreadaily.com/2018/04/27/society/international/6151801.html |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=news.koreadaily.com |language=ko |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407153512/https://news.koreadaily.com/2018/04/27/society/international/6151801.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2018-04-24 |title=Toronto van attack: What we know so far |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2018/04/24/toronto-van-attack/ |access-date= |website=CityNews Toronto |language=en}} and a Jordanian national.{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Ray |last2=Vera |first2=Amir |date=April 25, 2018 |title=These are the victims of the Toronto van attacks |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/24/americas/toronto-van-attack-victims/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425022333/https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/24/americas/toronto-van-attack-victims/index.html |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |access-date=April 25, 2018 |work=CNN}}{{cite news|last2=Gordon|first2=Andrea|last1=Gibson|first1=Victoria|date=April 24, 2018|title=Jordanian man confirmed dead in Toronto van rampage|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/24/details-emerging-of-victims-killed-on-yonge-st.html|work=Toronto Star|location=Toronto, Ontario, Canada|access-date=April 24, 2018|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424234355/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/24/details-emerging-of-victims-killed-on-yonge-st.html|url-status=live}}

Fifteen others, ten women and five men aged 21 to 90, were injured. They included three citizens of South Korea, an Iranian national, and a Russian national.{{Cite news |date=2018-04-25 |title=Victims of van attack came to Toronto from all around the world |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-victims-of-van-attack-came-to-toronto-from-all-around-the-world/ |access-date=2024-04-07 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407153512/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-victims-of-van-attack-came-to-toronto-from-all-around-the-world/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Full details of van attack recounted at start of Minassian trial this week |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/11/11/full-details-of-van-attack-recounted-at-start-of-minassian-trial-this-week/ |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=toronto.citynews.ca |date=November 11, 2020 |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407153512/https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/11/11/full-details-of-van-attack-recounted-at-start-of-minassian-trial-this-week/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Gibson |first1=Victoria |last2=Powell |first2=Betsy |date=2018-05-10 |title=Van rampage suspect Alek Minassian faces three new counts of attempted murder |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/van-rampage-suspect-alek-minassian-faces-three-new-counts-of-attempted-murder/article_7c6e1cdf-4373-573e-8c81-b8fbcf7b6df9.html |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=Toronto Star |language=en |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407153512/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/van-rampage-suspect-alek-minassian-faces-three-new-counts-of-attempted-murder/article_7c6e1cdf-4373-573e-8c81-b8fbcf7b6df9.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2020 |title=Victim of Toronto van attack 'very scared' there are others like Minassian |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ont-alek-minassian-victims-1.5802831 |website=CBC |access-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407153512/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ont-alek-minassian-victims-1.5802831 |url-status=live }}

Aftermath

The Toronto subway and bus services in the area were immediately closed or rerouted by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Parts of Yonge Street were cordoned off until late on April 24, 2018, for the police investigation.{{cite web |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/investigation-into-deadly-van-incident-closes-roads-in-north-york-1.3898546 |title=Investigation into deadly van incident closes roads in North York |first=Katherine |last=DeClerq |website=CP24 |date=April 23, 2018 |access-date=April 23, 2018 |archive-date=June 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617015537/https://www.cp24.com/news/investigation-into-deadly-van-incident-closes-roads-in-north-york-1.3898546 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Ha |first1=Tu Thanh |last2=Gray |first2=Jeff |last3=Hayes |first3=Molly |date=April 23, 2018 |title=Massive investigation into Toronto van attack will shut down parts of Yonge Street for days |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-massive-investigation-into-toronto-van-attack-will-shut-down-yonge/ |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |location=Toronto |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=April 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430111626/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-massive-investigation-into-toronto-van-attack-will-shut-down-yonge/ |url-status=live }} Civic buildings in the area were closed late April 23 and remained closed throughout April 24. Area businesses were allowed to remain open, but in areas of pedestrian deaths, those fronting on Yonge Street were allowed access from only the rear entrances.{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4163279/toronto-van-attack-road-closures-ttc/|title=Toronto van attack: road closures remain in effect Tuesday morning|work=Global News|first=Kerri|last=Breen|date=April 24, 2018|access-date=April 24, 2018|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424161239/https://globalnews.ca/news/4163279/toronto-van-attack-road-closures-ttc/|url-status=live}} Many businesses in the most affected areas chose to close down for all of April 24, while some opened at different times of the afternoon of April 24. The area was fully open and transit services resumed by April 25.

Security was heightened around a meeting of G7 security ministers being held in Toronto in advance of the 44th G7 summit in La Malbaie, Quebec.{{cite news|last1=Brewster|first1=Murray|title=G7 ministers sit down in Toronto to a full plate of world troubles|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/g7-ministers-meeting-toronto-1.4630734|access-date=April 24, 2018|work=CBC News|date=April 22, 2018|archive-date=April 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423224228/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/g7-ministers-meeting-toronto-1.4630734|url-status=live}} The ministers were briefed on the attack shortly after it occurred and the day after the attack, the meeting's agenda included discussion on "soft targets", terrorism and social media, and online youth radicalization.{{cite news|last1=Brewster|first1=Murray|title=G7 security ministers gathered in Toronto discuss 'soft targets' and online radicalization after van attack|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/g7-toronto-van-attack-1.4632443|access-date=April 24, 2018|work=CBC News|date=April 24, 2018|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424130200/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/g7-toronto-van-attack-1.4632443|url-status=live}} The incident was included in the 2018 Public Report on the Terrorism Threat to Canada.{{Cite web|date=2018-12-21|title=2018 Public Report on the Terrorism Threat to Canada|url=https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/pblc-rprt-trrrsm-thrt-cnd-2018/index-en.aspx|access-date=2020-06-16|website=www.publicsafety.gc.ca|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519023505/https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/pblc-rprt-trrrsm-thrt-cnd-2018/index-en.aspx|url-status=live}} Faisal Hussain, perpetrator of the 2018 Toronto shooting had also developed an interest in inceldom prior to his attack but police found no evidence of radicalization.{{cite news |last1=Humphreys |first1=Adrian |title=Toronto Danforth mass shooter's long dark obsession with death, violence and 'incel' ideology |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/toronto/toronto-danforth-mass-shooters-long-dark-obsession-with-death-violence-and-incel-ideology |work=National Post |date=June 21, 2019}}

Perpetrator

{{Infobox criminal

| name = Alek Minassian

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|11|03}}{{cite news |work=Toronto Star |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/05/11/i-was-like-how-did-he-get-a-van-inside-the-life-of-alek-minassian-the-toronto-van-rampage-suspect-no-one-thought-capable-of-murder.html |title='I was like, how did he get a van?' Inside the life of Alek Minassian, the Toronto van rampage suspect no one thought capable of murder |date=May 11, 2018 |first=Ann |last=Dempsey |access-date=May 13, 2018 |archive-date=May 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513054036/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/05/11/i-was-like-how-did-he-get-a-van-inside-the-life-of-alek-minassian-the-toronto-van-rampage-suspect-no-one-thought-capable-of-murder.html |url-status=live }}

| birth_place = North York, Ontario, Canada{{Cite AV media|URL=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Dck7J4Ks0|title=The Interrogation Tape of Alek Minassian|type=Interrogation footage|time=17:02|via=YouTube|quote="I understand you were born in Canada." "Yes."|access-date=September 10, 2023|archive-date=July 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713173123/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Dck7J4Ks0|url-status=live}}

| conviction_status = Incarcerated

| criminal_charge =

| conviction = {{unbulleted list | {{nowrap|First-degree murder (10 charges)}} | Attempted murder (16 charges)}}

| penalty = Life imprisonment with the possibility of parole in 25 years

| occupation = Software developer

| module = {{Infobox military person

| embed = yes

| branch = Canadian Army

| rank = Private (recruit)

| servicenumber = C23249161

| serviceyears = 0 (released after 16 days of training)

}}

| citizenship = Canada

}}

Police identified the suspect as Alek Minassian, who had no prior criminal history.{{cite news |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/van-attack-that-killed-10-people-in-north-york-was-definitely-deliberate-police-1.3898123 |title=Van attack that killed 10 people in North York was 'definitely deliberate': police |work=CP24 |date=April 23, 2018 |first1=Kayla |last1=Goodfield |first2=Codi |last2=Wilson |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424050834/https://www.cp24.com/news/van-attack-that-killed-10-people-in-north-york-was-definitely-deliberate-police-1.3898123 |url-status=live }} His father, Vahe, had moved from Armenia to Canada and worked as a software developer, and his mother, Sona, was from Iran and had a job at IT company Compugen Inc.{{cite web|url=https://torontolife.com/city/man-behind-yonge-street-van-attack/|title=The man behind the Yonge Street van attack|first=Katherine|last=Laidlaw|publisher=Toronto Life|date=2019-04-22|access-date=2021-03-03|archive-date=May 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528173741/https://torontolife.com/city/man-behind-yonge-street-van-attack/|url-status=live}} Minassian was also an aspiring software and mobile app developer.

Minassian was born in North York, formerly an independent city now a district of Toronto.{{Cite web |last=Hasham |first=Alyshah |date=2021-01-04 |title=Nine key revelations from the psychological reports on Toronto van attack driver Alek Minassian |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/nine-key-revelations-from-the-psychological-reports-on-toronto-van-attack-driver-alek-minassian/article_72569b85-1f01-58ee-b79d-82d98c260744.html |access-date= |website=Toronto Star |language=en}} According to his LinkedIn profile, he was a student at Seneca College in North York from 2011 to 2018 and lived in Richmond Hill. Minassian had attended Sixteenth Avenue Public School, an elementary school in Richmond Hill, in a special education class.{{cite news |title='He wasn't a terrorist': Those who knew Alek Minassian struggle to explain the Toronto van attack |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4168222/he-wasnt-terrorist-toronto-attack/ |work=Global News |first=Stewart |last=Bell |date=April 25, 2018 |access-date=May 5, 2018 |archive-date=May 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506041238/https://globalnews.ca/news/4168222/he-wasnt-terrorist-toronto-attack/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Toronto van attack suspect Alek Minassian's interest in 'incel' movement the latest sign of troubled life |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/alek-minassian |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180427160159/http://nationalpost.com/news/alek-minassian |archive-date=April 27, 2018 |url-status=live |work=National Post |last1=Humphreys |first1=Adrian |last2=Edmiston |first2=Jake |date=April 24, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2018}} His former classmates at Thornlea Secondary School in Thornhill described him as "not overly social" and "harmless".{{Cite news|url=https://gulfnews.com/news/americas/canada/deadly-toronto-van-driver-what-we-know-about-alek-minassian-1.2210589|title=Deadly Toronto van driver: What we know about Alek Minassian|last=Agencies|date=April 24, 2018|work=GulfNews|access-date=April 24, 2018|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424082809/https://gulfnews.com/news/americas/canada/deadly-toronto-van-driver-what-we-know-about-alek-minassian-1.2210589|url-status=live}} Minassian attended a special needs class for students within the autism spectrum while at Thornlea Secondary School;{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/26/were-not-a-violent-group-of-people-ex-classmate-of-alek-minassian-speaks-out-about-autism.html|title='We're not a violent group of people': Ex-classmate of Alek Minassian speaks out about autism|first=Laurie|last=Monsebraaten|date=April 26, 2018|work=Toronto Star|access-date=September 16, 2018|archive-date=September 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916235423/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/26/were-not-a-violent-group-of-people-ex-classmate-of-alek-minassian-speaks-out-about-autism.html|url-status=live}} Minassian's mother is quoted as saying in a 2009 article that her son has Asperger syndrome.{{Cite news|url=https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/8566082-update-alleged-attacker-alek-minassian-may-have-mental-health-issues/|title=Alleged attacker Alek Minassian may have mental health issues|first=Jeremy|last=Grimaldi|date=April 24, 2018|work=Richmond Hill Liberal|publisher=Metroland Media Group|access-date=December 16, 2018|archive-date=December 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216120559/https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/8566082-update-alleged-attacker-alek-minassian-may-have-mental-health-issues/|url-status=live}}

In late 2017, Minassian enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces for two months, before requesting voluntary release after 16 days of recruit training.{{cite news|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4162755/toronto-van-attack-alek-minassian/|title=Toronto van attack: What we know about suspect Alek Minassian|last=Frisk|first=Adam|date=April 24, 2018|work=Global News|access-date=April 25, 2018|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424214046/https://globalnews.ca/news/4162755/toronto-van-attack-alek-minassian/|url-status=live}} A senior military official said that Minassian "wasn't adapting to military life, including in matters of dress, deportment and group interactions in a military setting" and "there were no red flags and nothing that would point to anything like this."{{cite news |work=CBC |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/what-is-an-incel-toronto-van-attack-explainer-alek-minassian-1.4633893 |title=Facebook post linked to Toronto van attack points to insular, misogynistic world of 'incels' |date=April 25, 2018 |access-date=April 26, 2018 |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425230856/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/what-is-an-incel-toronto-van-attack-explainer-alek-minassian-1.4633893 |url-status=live }}

Following the attack, a Facebook post made by Minassian was uncovered in which he identified himself as an incel ("involuntary celibate").{{Cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-tuesday-edition-1.4633051/why-some-incels-are-celebrating-toronto-s-van-attack-suspect-1.4633057 |title=Why some 'incels' are celebrating accused in Toronto van attack |website=CBC |access-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424235335/http://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-tuesday-edition-1.4633051/why-some-incels-are-celebrating-toronto-s-van-attack-suspect-1.4633057 |url-status=live }} The state of involuntary celibacy refers to being unable to find sexual partnersKoulouris, Theodore. "Online misogyny and the alternative right: debating the undebatable." Feminist Media Studies (2018): 1–12. and its subculture consists of primarily male online communities.{{cite news|last1=Mezzofiore|first1=Gianluca|title=The Toronto suspect apparently posted about an 'incel rebellion.' Here's what that means|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/25/us/incel-rebellion-alek-minassian-toronto-attack-trnd/index.html|access-date=April 26, 2018|work=CNN|date=April 25, 2018|quote="Incel" is short for "involuntarily celibate." It's a movement made up almost entirely of men who claim they "can't have sex despite wanting to," according to incels.me|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426031738/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/25/us/incel-rebellion-alek-minassian-toronto-attack-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Daigle|first1=Thomas|title=Canadians among most active in online right-wing extremism, research finds|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/canadian-right-wing-extremism-online-1.5617710|date=June 19, 2020|work=CBC News|access-date=August 15, 2020|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815045911/https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/canadian-right-wing-extremism-online-1.5617710|url-status=live}} The post, dated shortly before the beginning of the attack on April 23, read:

{{blockquote|text=Private (Recruit) Minassian Infantry 00010, wishing to speak to Sgt 4chan please. C23249161. The Incel Rebellion has already begun! We will overthrow all the Chads and Stacys! All hail the Supreme Gentleman Elliot Rodger!{{Cite news|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/exclusive-toronto-van-attack-suspect-alek-minassian-was-a-member-of-the-canadian-army/|title=Exclusive: Toronto van attack suspect Alek Minassian was a member of the Canadian Army|work=VICE News|access-date=April 25, 2018|language=en|first=Ben|last=Makuch|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424213613/https://news.vice.com/en_ca/article/8xkjgg/exclusive-toronto-van-attack-suspect-alek-minassian-was-a-member-of-the-canadian-army|url-status=live}}}}

"Chad" and "Stacy" are nicknames used on incel-related forums within 4chan and Reddit to refer to popular, attractive, sexually active men and women, respectively.{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/brian-boyd-pathological-incel-misogyny-and-myth-of-male-oppression-1.3475388 |title=Pathological Incel misogyny and myth of male oppression |first=Brian |last=Boyd |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=April 27, 2018 |access-date=April 27, 2018 |archive-date=April 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427035309/https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/brian-boyd-pathological-incel-misogyny-and-myth-of-male-oppression-1.3475388 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last1=Wendling|first1=Mike|title=What is an 'incel'?|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-43881931|access-date=April 26, 2018|work=BBC News|date=April 24, 2018|archive-date=November 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123130126/https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-43881931|url-status=live}} The term "Incel Rebellion" is sometimes used interchangeably with the term "Beta Uprising" or "Beta Male Uprising", which refers to a violent response to sexlessness.{{cite news|url=https://www.vox.com/world/2018/4/25/17277496/incel-toronto-attack-alek-minassian|title=Incel, the misogynist ideology that inspired the deadly Toronto attack, explained|last=Beauchamp|first=Zack|date=Apr 25, 2018|work=Vox|access-date=April 25, 2018|archive-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505073901/https://www.vox.com/world/2018/4/25/17277496/incel-toronto-attack-alek-minassian|url-status=live}} Elliot Rodger was the "incel founding father" who committed the 2014 Isla Vista killings in California, and someone whom Minassian claimed to have had contact with up until the days before the 2014 attacks.{{cite news |last=Fox |first=Chris |date=April 24, 2018 |title=Facebook post connected to van attack suspect's profile references 'Incel Rebellion' |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/facebook-post-connected-to-van-attack-suspect-s-profile-references-incel-rebellion-1.3899606 |work=CP24 |language=en-CA |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424192510/https://www.cp24.com/news/facebook-post-connected-to-van-attack-suspect-s-profile-references-incel-rebellion-1.3899606 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/alek-minassian-toronto-van-attack-incels-891678/#! |title=How the Toronto Van Attack Suspect Was Radicalized by Incels |date=September 27, 2019 |access-date=November 27, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |first=EJ |last=Dickson |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208000852/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/alek-minassian-toronto-van-attack-incels-891678/#! |url-status=live }} Rodger intended to target attractive women and sexually successful men, which led to him being posthumously idolized by some people on misogynistic online fringe communities, including several incel websites.{{cite news|title=Elliot Rodger: How misogynist killer became 'incel hero'|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43892189|access-date=April 26, 2018|work=BBC News|date=April 26, 2018|archive-date=May 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512075225/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43892189|url-status=live}} Facebook, Inc. verified the account as belonging to Minassian.{{cite news |last=O'Kane |first=Josh |date=April 24, 2018 |title=Facebook post connected to suspect in van rampage cites 'incel rebellion' |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-facebook-post-connected-to-suspect-in-van-rampage-cites-incel/ |work=The Globe and Mail |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425013357/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-facebook-post-connected-to-suspect-in-van-rampage-cites-incel/ |url-status=live }} A source in the Department of National Defence told media that C23249161 was Minassian's military identification number during his army training.{{cite news|last1=Yang|first1=Jennifer|last2=Campion-Smith|first2=Bruce|title=Number cited in cryptic Facebook post matches Alek Minassian's military ID: Source|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/25/number-cited-in-cryptic-facebook-post-matches-alek-minassians-military-id-source.html|access-date=April 26, 2018|work=Toronto Star|date=April 25, 2018|language=en|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426002309/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/25/number-cited-in-cryptic-facebook-post-matches-alek-minassians-military-id-source.html|url-status=live}}

Legal proceedings

{{Infobox court case

| name = R. v. Minassian

| court = Ontario Superior Court of Justice

| date decided =

| full name = Her Majesty the Queen v. Alek Minassian

| DecideDate = March 3, 2021

| verdict = Guilty on all counts

| citations = {{cite CanLII|year=2021|court=onsc|num=1258}}

| judge = Anne Molloy

| number of judges = 1

| italic title = no

}}

On April 24, 2018, Minassian appeared without a lawyer before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in a Toronto courthouse, shackled and wearing a white prison jumpsuit. He was charged with 10 counts of first degree murder and 13 counts of attempted murder and ordered not to contact any of the alleged attempted murder victims.{{Cite news |last=Mandel |first=Michele |date=April 24, 2018 |title=Toronto van attack suspect charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder |url=http://ottawasun.com/news/local-news/van-attack-suspect-charged-with-10-counts-of-first-degree-murder/wcm/89deb4a4-2f86-452b-a6b2-a0cd3a778425 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426075807/http://ottawasun.com/news/local-news/van-attack-suspect-charged-with-10-counts-of-first-degree-murder/wcm/89deb4a4-2f86-452b-a6b2-a0cd3a778425 |archive-date=April 26, 2018 |access-date=April 26, 2018 |work=Ottawa Sun |language=en}} His father, Vahe Minassian, attended the hearing. He told reporters that he had not spoken to his son.{{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/news/2018/04/alek-minassian-parents-family/|title=Alek Minassian's Parents & Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know|work=Heavy.com|last=Dube Dwilson|first=Stephanie|quote=Alek's father, Vahe Minassian, was also there, sitting in the front row as the charges were read against his son. Vahe was stunned and cried inside the courtroom.{{nbsp}}... He told reporters that he had not spoken to his son, and he appeared heartbroken.|date=April 24, 2018|access-date=April 28, 2018|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426145222/https://heavy.com/news/2018/04/alek-minassian-parents-family/|url-status=live}} Minassian was charged with three additional counts of attempted murder on May 10: a total of 16 counts.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/alek-minassian-lawyer-charges-1.4655799|title=Accused in van attack charged with 3 more counts of attempted murder|work=CBC News|date=10 May 2018|access-date=May 11, 2018|archive-date=May 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512063547/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/alek-minassian-lawyer-charges-1.4655799|url-status=live}} He later retained Toronto criminal defence lawyer Boris Bytensky to represent him.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/alek-minassian-lawyer-charges-1.4655799|title=Accused in deadly Toronto van attack charged with 3 more counts of attempted murder |author= |date=May 10, 2018 |work=CBC News|language=en|access-date=2025-03-11 |archive-date=November 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122011057/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/alek-minassian-lawyer-charges-1.4655799|url-status=live}} His trial was initially scheduled for February 10, 2020,{{cite web|url=https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/case-of-toronto-van-attack-accused-alek-minassian-put-over|title=Case of Toronto van attack accused Alek Minassian put over|author=Canadian Press|work=torontosun |date=31 January 2019|publisher=Toronto Sun|access-date=February 5, 2019|archive-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015644/https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/case-of-toronto-van-attack-accused-alek-minassian-put-over|url-status=live}} later moved to March 2,{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6301982/alek-minassian-murder-trial/|title=Toronto van attack trial for Alek Minassian to begin March 2, delayed due to 'red tape'|publisher=globalnews.ca|date=December 16, 2019|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408012213/https://globalnews.ca/news/6301982/alek-minassian-murder-trial/|url-status=live}} and later moved to April 6, but was postponed again because of the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto to November.{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7020620/trial-alek-minassian-toronto-van-attack-november/|title=Murder trial for man accused in Toronto's van attack set for November|publisher=globalnews.ca|date=June 3, 2020|access-date=June 9, 2020|archive-date=June 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609134638/https://globalnews.ca/news/7020620/trial-alek-minassian-toronto-van-attack-november/|url-status=live}}

The trial began on November 10, 2020, and was conducted over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://www.cp24.com/news/trial-for-man-behind-toronto-s-van-attack-to-be-conducted-over-zoom-judge-says-1.5163958|title=Trial for man behind Toronto's van attack to be conducted over Zoom, judge says|publisher=cp24.com|date=October 28, 2020|access-date=October 28, 2020|archive-date=October 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030102156/https://www.cp24.com/news/trial-for-man-behind-toronto-s-van-attack-to-be-conducted-over-zoom-judge-says-1.5163958|url-status=live}} Minassian, who had already admitted to planning and carrying out the attack, pleaded not criminally responsible to the 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder.{{cite web|url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/alek-minassian-says-he-s-not-criminally-responsible-for-toronto-van-attack-1.5182129|title=Alek Minassian says he's not criminally responsible for Toronto van attack|publisher=toronto.ctvnews.ca|date=November 10, 2020|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112205822/https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/alek-minassian-says-he-s-not-criminally-responsible-for-toronto-van-attack-1.5182129|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=2020-11-10|title=Toronto van attack: 'Incel' killer Minassian pleads not criminally responsible|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54895219|access-date=2020-11-13|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112173609/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54895219|url-status=live}} During testimony on November 12, a psychiatrist retained by Minassian's defence team stated in a report that Minassian's "autistic way of thinking was severely distorted in a way similar to psychosis", despite Minassian not being technically psychotic.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-12|title=Alek Minassian's autism distorted his thinking 'in a way similar to psychosis' ahead of Yonge St. van attack, defence claims|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/11/12/alek-minassians-first-degree-murder-trial-for-carrying-out-toronto-van-attack-continues-thursday.html|access-date=2020-11-13|website=thestar.com|language=en|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114051136/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/11/12/alek-minassians-first-degree-murder-trial-for-carrying-out-toronto-van-attack-continues-thursday.html|url-status=live}} Attempts by Minassian and his defence to claim that he was not responsible for his actions due to his autism garnered criticism from autism rights advocates, who expressed concerns that the trial might worsen stigmas towards autistic people. Minassian was also found to be highly intelligent.{{Cite news |last=Casey |first=Liam |date=Dec 10, 2020 |title='His goal was to be remembered forever,' psychiatrist says of van attack killer |work=CBC News |agency=The Canadian Press |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ont-alek-minassian-1.5837072 |access-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-date=June 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605163927/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ont-alek-minassian-1.5837072 |url-status=live }}

In the decision, Ontario Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy believed that Minassian seemed to be motivated by the desire for notoriety, and referred to him as "Mr. Doe" so as to avoid giving him further recognition. She wrote, "It is almost impossible to tell when Mr. Doe is lying and when he is telling the truth. Working out his exact motivation for this attack is likewise close to impossible," but that "nevertheless, I am inclined to accept the assessment of all of the experts that Mr. Doe did lie to the police about much of the incel motivation he talked about and that the incel movement was not in fact a primary driving force behind the attack." She also rejected his attempt to use his autism as a defence.{{Cite news|last=Carter|first=Adam|date=March 3, 2021|title=Judge finds Toronto van attack killer guilty of murder|language=en-US|work=CBC News|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/van-attack-trial-decision-1.5933687|access-date=March 19, 2021|archive-date=March 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323010503/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/van-attack-trial-decision-1.5933687|url-status=live}} On March 3, 2021, Minassian was found guilty on all counts in a verdict that was given by Molloy and streamed live on YouTube.{{cite web|url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/alek-minassian-found-criminally-responsible-for-toronto-van-attack-guilty-on-all-26-counts-1.5331506|title=Alek Minassian found criminally responsible for Toronto van attack, guilty on all 26 counts|publisher=toronto.ctvnews.ca|date=March 3, 2021|access-date=March 3, 2021|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303163819/https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/alek-minassian-found-criminally-responsible-for-toronto-van-attack-guilty-on-all-26-counts-1.5331506|url-status=live}} However, sentencing was deferred until 2022 to await the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in R v Bissonnette on whether prisoners can be made to serve murder sentences consecutively.{{Cite news|date=May 31, 2021|title=Court to wait until 2022 to sentence man who killed 10 people in Toronto van attack|work=Global News|agency=The Canadian Press|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7907722/alek-minassian-sentence-toronto-van-attack/|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813173331/https://globalnews.ca/news/7907722/alek-minassian-sentence-toronto-van-attack/|url-status=live}} On June 13, 2022, Minassian was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 25 years. He filed a notice of appeal the following month, arguing among other things that the trial judge "misapprehended" expert evidence and made unreasonable findings.{{cite news|date=July 16, 2022|journal=The Globe and Mail|page=A6|title=Toronto van attacker seeks appeal for conviction of first-degree, attempted murder|author=The Canadian Press}}

=Sporting events=

Around the Air Canada Centre, roads were closed and blocked off with dump trucks, due to safety concerns for fans gathered at Maple Leaf Square to watch the National Hockey League playoff game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins on the evening of April 23.{{cite news |url=http://www.680news.com/2018/04/23/security-heighten-outside-acc-prior-maple-leafs-game/ |title=Security Heightened, Roads Closed Outside ACC to Prior Maple Leafs Game |author= |work=680 News |date=April 23, 2018 |access-date=March 11, 2015 |archive-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424030413/http://www.680news.com/2018/04/23/security-heighten-outside-acc-prior-maple-leafs-game/ |url-status=live }}{{cite press release|url=http://torontopolice.on.ca/newsreleases/40879|title=Air Canada Centre and Maple Leaf Square, Traffic restrictions and security enhancements|date=April 23, 2018|website=torontopolice.on.ca|last=Hopkinson |first=David |publisher=Toronto Police Service |access-date=March 15, 2025 |archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424032433/http://torontopolice.on.ca/newsreleases/40879|url-status=dead}} A moment of silence was observed during the game in sympathy for the victims.{{cite web|last1=Nielsen|first1=Kevin|title=Maple Leafs hold moment of silence for victims of Toronto van attack|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4163036/maple-leafs-moment-of-silence-toronto-van-attack/|work=Global News|access-date=April 24, 2018|date=April 23, 2018|archive-date=June 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622062115/https://globalnews.ca/news/4163036/maple-leafs-moment-of-silence-toronto-van-attack/|url-status=live}}

Concrete barriers were put up along the edge of the northern sidewalk along Bremner Boulevard in front of the Rogers Centre, due to the same safety concerns prior to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball game against the Boston Red Sox on April 24, 2018.{{cite web|last1=Wilson|first1=Codi|title=New security measures in place for Blue Jays' home opener|url=https://www.cp24.com/sports/toronto-blue-jays-news/new-security-measures-in-place-for-blue-jays-home-opener-1.3863809|website=cp24.com|publisher=CP24|access-date=May 4, 2018|date=March 29, 2018|archive-date=May 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504225426/https://www.cp24.com/sports/toronto-blue-jays-news/new-security-measures-in-place-for-blue-jays-home-opener-1.3863809|url-status=live}} Prior to the game, the Blue Jays honoured a few of the first responders in a ceremony, which included a video memorial for the victims of the attack followed by a moment of silence.{{cite web|title=Blue Jays honour victims of deadly van attack with brief tribute|url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/blue-jays-honour-victims-of-deadly-van-attack-with-brief-tribute-1.3900722|website=toronto.ctvnews.ca|publisher=CTV News Toronto|access-date=May 4, 2018|date=April 24, 2018|archive-date=May 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504225436/https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/blue-jays-honour-victims-of-deadly-van-attack-with-brief-tribute-1.3900722|url-status=live}}

Reaction

File:Torontostrong memorial Mel Lastman Square.jpg

File:TorontoStrong Vigil at Mel Lastman Square - 2018 (26936913367).jpg

Many domestic leaders expressed their support and condolences in the immediate aftermath of the attack, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer,{{cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/trudeau-wynne-react-to-toronto-van-incident-1.3898366|title=Trudeau, Wynne react to Toronto van attack|work=CTV News|author=CTV News staff|date=April 23, 2018|access-date=April 23, 2018|archive-date=June 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622140054/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/trudeau-wynne-react-to-toronto-van-incident-1.3898366|url-status=live}} Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, and Toronto Mayor John Tory.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/pedestrians-struck-white-van-1.4631564|title='Nobody's seen anything like this': 10 dead, 15 injured in north Toronto van ramming attack|publisher=CBC News|date=2018-04-23|access-date=2021-03-03|archive-date=July 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701084216/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/pedestrians-struck-white-van-1.4631564|url-status=live}}

Constable Ken Lam was lauded as a hero for his measured use of force to achieve a non-fatal resolution of his confrontation with Minassian, despite Minassian's seeking suicide by cop.{{cite news|last1=Kassam|first1=Ashifa|title=Toronto police officer hailed as hero for arresting suspect without firing shot|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/24/toronto-cananda-van-suspect-arrest|access-date=April 26, 2018|work=The Guardian|date=April 26, 2018|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426011420/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/24/toronto-cananda-van-suspect-arrest|url-status=live}} Lam insisted that he was simply performing his duty.{{cite news|last1=Burman|first1=Dilshad|last2=Pereia|first2=Diana|title=Arresting officer in Toronto van attack doesn't want to be called a hero|url=http://toronto.citynews.ca/2018/04/25/ken-lam-doesnt-want-to-be-called-a-hero/|access-date=April 26, 2018|work=City News|date=April 25, 2018|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425232846/http://toronto.citynews.ca/2018/04/25/ken-lam-doesnt-want-to-be-called-a-hero/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Madhani|first1=Aamer|title=Toronto cop who arrested van attack suspect without firing a shot insists he's no hero|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/04/25/toronto-van-attack-police-officer-ken-lam-hero/551588002/|access-date=April 26, 2018|work=USA Today|date=April 26, 2018|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426010340/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/04/25/toronto-van-attack-police-officer-ken-lam-hero/551588002/|url-status=live}}

Lighting at the CN Tower and the 3D Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square were colourless and dimmed for the evening of April 23, 2018. Flags were placed at half-mast at most government locations in Toronto and surrounding municipalities.{{cite news |work=Global News |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4162812/toronto-van-attack-flags-lowered-sign-dimmed/ |title=Toronto sign dimmed, flags lowered to honour victims of deadly van attack |first=Mahem |last=Abadi |date=April 23, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714130114/https://globalnews.ca/news/4162812/toronto-van-attack-flags-lowered-sign-dimmed/ |url-status=live }}

An impromptu memorial at Olive Square Park on the east-side of Yonge Street, directly across the street from where the attack began, was started by a local resident at 5:15 p.m. of the same day for people to place flowers and express their grief in writing.{{cite news |work=CityNews |url=http://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2018/04/23/local-resident-starts-memorial-outside-scene-of-van-attack/ |title=Local resident starts memorial outside scene of van attack |date=April 23, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424135541/http://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2018/04/23/local-resident-starts-memorial-outside-scene-of-van-attack/ |url-status=live }} The person who started the memorial indicated that all the other public spaces along Yonge Street, including Mel Lastman Square, were cordoned off by police tape so he chose Olive Square which was not cordoned off.{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/27/the-day-yonge-st-became-a-war-zone-how-the-van-rampage-unfolded-moment-by-moment.html |first=Brendan |last=Kennedy |title=The day Yonge St. became a war zone: How the van rampage unfolded moment by moment |work=Toronto Star |date=April 27, 2018 |access-date=April 30, 2018 |archive-date=April 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430115840/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/27/the-day-yonge-st-became-a-war-zone-how-the-van-rampage-unfolded-moment-by-moment.html |url-status=live }} Small memorials ranging from a few bunches of flowers to about two dozen bunches of flowers, plus paper messages, photographs and candles in some cases, were established at each location from just south of Finch Avenue to just south of Park Home Avenue where a pedestrian was killed (at the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Park Home Avenue two victims were killed). Next to the fountain at the entry to Mel Lastman Square, where the greatest number of people were struck (at least two killed), another memorial gradually grew to become a hub memorial almost as large as the one at Olive Square.

On April 26, 2025, three days after the 7th anniversary of the attack, Canterbury Place street signs in North York were temporarily renamed to "Heroes' Way" in tribute to first-responders.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/heroes-way-street-renaming-memorial-2018-van-attack-1.7519622|title=Toronto opens 'Heroes' Way' to commemorate 2018 North York van attack|website=CBC.ca|date=April 26, 2025|access-date=April 28, 2025}} This occurred on the same day as the Vancouver car attack.

=#TorontoStrong=

Several crowdfunding campaigns were set up to raise money for the expenses of the victims' families.{{cite web |url=http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/gofundme-campaigns-toronto-van-attack-2018 |work=dailyhive.com |title=GoFundMe campaigns launch to raise funds for victims of Toronto van attack |author=DH Toronto staff |access-date=May 2, 2018 |archive-date=May 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503042658/http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/gofundme-campaigns-toronto-van-attack-2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-canada-van-charities/canadian-muslim-charities-lead-fundraising-for-toronto-van-attack-victims-idUSKBN1HW281|title=Canadian Muslim charities lead fundraising for Toronto van attack victims|last=Saminather|first=Nichola|website=www.reuters.com|publisher=Reuters|date=April 26, 2018|access-date=April 27, 2018|archive-date=April 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427184344/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-canada-van-charities/canadian-muslim-charities-lead-fundraising-for-toronto-van-attack-victims-idUSKBN1HW281|url-status=live}} To better coordinate crowdfunding, the City of Toronto established the #TorontoStrong Fund to support victims and their families, first responders, and those affected by trauma.{{cite news| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/26/torontostrong-fund-raises-more-than-700000-in-first-48-hours.html| title=#TorontoStrong Fund raises more than $893,000 in first 48 hours| first=Alexandra| last=Jones| date=April 26, 2018| work=Toronto Star| access-date=April 27, 2018| archive-date=April 28, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428093439/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/26/torontostrong-fund-raises-more-than-700000-in-first-48-hours.html| url-status=live}} The hashtag was reused in memoriam of the victims of the fatal mass shooting that occurred in the Danforth on July 22 of the same year.

Several vigils were held in the following week. A small vigil was held at Lastman Square on the evening of April 24.{{cite news |first=Codi |last=Wilson |website=cp24.com |publisher=CP24 |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/city-of-toronto-to-hold-vigil-for-victims-of-van-attack-1.3901202 |title=City of Toronto to hold vigil for victims of van attack |date=April 25, 2018 |access-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425190853/https://www.cp24.com/news/city-of-toronto-to-hold-vigil-for-victims-of-van-attack-1.3901202 |url-status=live }} Another was held by the Toronto Korean Community Association on April 27 at Lastman Square. An official #TorontoStrong Vigil was held by the City of Toronto on April 29, attended by several thousand.{{cite news |website=cp24.com |publisher=CP24 |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/latest-van-attack-victim-identified-as-single-mom-originally-from-sri-lanka-1.3901080 |title=Latest van attack victim identified as single mom originally from Sri Lanka |date=April 25, 2018 |first=Codi |last=Wilson |access-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425175648/https://www.cp24.com/news/latest-van-attack-victim-identified-as-single-mom-originally-from-sri-lanka-1.3901080 |url-status=live }} It began with a march from Yonge Street and Finch Avenue and ended with a gathering at Lastman Square. Speaking at the gathering were community leaders and the event was attended by Prime Minister Trudeau, Governor General Julie Payette, Premier Wynne, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, and Mayor Tory.{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/29/thousands-expected-to-attend-vigil-for-those-killed-and-injured-in-van-attack.html |title='It hasn't broken us' — #TorontoStrong vigil filled with messages of grief and resilience |work=Toronto Star |first1=Jennifer |last1=Pagliaro |first2=Rachel |last2=Mendleson |date=April 29, 2018 |access-date=April 30, 2018 |archive-date=April 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430175341/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/29/thousands-expected-to-attend-vigil-for-those-killed-and-injured-in-van-attack.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/trudeau-couillard-join-thousands-in-remembering-victims-at-toronto-vigil-1.3907168|title=Trudeau, Couillard join thousands in remembering victims at Toronto Vigil|date=April 29, 2018|work=CTV News Montreal|agency=The Canadian Press|access-date=April 30, 2018|archive-date=May 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501092748/https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/trudeau-couillard-join-thousands-in-remembering-victims-at-toronto-vigil-1.3907168|url-status=live}}

The two main impromptu memorials at Olive Square Park and Mel Lastman Square were decommissioned on June 3, 2018, and later replaced with a temporary plaque. Mayor John Tory announced plans to erect a permanent memorial for the attack.{{cite news |title=Toronto plans permanent memorial for victims of deadly van attack |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-toronto-plans-permanent-memorial-for-victims-of-deadly-van-attack/ |access-date=7 June 2018 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=June 3, 2018 |archive-date=June 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180606081852/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-toronto-plans-permanent-memorial-for-victims-of-deadly-van-attack/ |url-status=live }}

On June 13, 2018, the #TorontoStrong's volunteer steering committee announced the appointment of former Toronto mayor Barbara Hall as fund administrator. She was tasked with distributing the money raised for the victims and survivors.{{cite press release| url=https://wx.toronto.ca/inter/it/newsrel.nsf/print/95E76DD2CACC92F4852582AB004D4D36?opendocument| title=#TorontoStrong Fund names former Mayor Barbara Hall as administrator| date=June 13, 2018| first=Andrea| last=Martinelli| publisher=City of Toronto| access-date=June 22, 2018| archive-date=June 22, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622022019/https://wx.toronto.ca/inter/it/newsrel.nsf/print/95E76DD2CACC92F4852582AB004D4D36?opendocument| url-status=dead}}

By December 2018, over {{CAD|4}} million from the fund had been distributed to victims and families of both the van attack and the Danforth shooting.{{cite press release| url=http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/it/newsrel.nsf/11476e3d3711f56e85256616006b891f/08efccfaf13d990b8525835c004ce708?OpenDocument| title=#TorontoStrong Fund distributed to victims and families of Yonge Street van attack and the Danforth shooting| date=December 7, 2018| publisher=City of Toronto| website=toronto.ca| access-date=December 11, 2018| archive-date=December 11, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211165630/http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/it/newsrel.nsf/11476e3d3711f56e85256616006b891f/08efccfaf13d990b8525835c004ce708?OpenDocument| url-status=dead}}

Notes

References

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-van-attack-driver-profile-alek-minassian-1.4632435 |title=What we know about Alek Minassian, alleged driver in deadly Toronto van attack |date=April 23, 2018 |work=CBC News |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424013747/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-van-attack-driver-profile-alek-minassian-1.4632435 |url-status=live}}

{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/toronto-van-incident/index.html?adkey=bn|title=Van strikes pedestrians in Toronto|last1=Rocha|first1=Veronica|last2=Ries|first2=Brian|website=cnn.com|publisher=CNN|date=April 23, 2018|access-date=April 23, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710043737/https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/toronto-van-incident/index.html?adkey=bn|url-status=live}}

{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=Molly |last2=Friesen |first2=Joe |last3=Moore |first3=Oliver |date=April 23, 2018 |title=Ten people dead, 15 injured after van hits pedestrians in north Toronto |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-injuries-reported-after-van-hits-people-in-north-toronto/ |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |location=Toronto |access-date=April 23, 2018 |archive-date=May 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501200112/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-injuries-reported-after-van-hits-people-in-north-toronto/ |url-status=live}}

{{cite web |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-bthis-is-what-large-cities-do-with-tragedy-walking-the-route-of/ |title='This is what large cities do with tragedy': Walking the route of the attack to understand Toronto's pain and healing |work=The Globe and Mail |first=Ian |last=Brown |date=April 29, 2018 |access-date=May 2, 2018 |archive-date=May 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502122221/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-bthis-is-what-large-cities-do-with-tragedy-walking-the-route-of/ |url-status=live}}

{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/23/toronto-van-crash-incident-latest-updates-canada|title=Toronto incident: suspect in custody after van ploughs into crowd, killing nine|newspaper=The Guardian|first1=Ashifa|last1=Kassam|first2=Leyland|last2=Cecco|date=April 23, 2018|access-date=April 23, 2018|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007021852/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/23/toronto-van-crash-incident-latest-updates-canada|url-status=live}}

{{cite news |last1=McLean |first1=Jesse |last2=Welsh |first2=Moira |last3=Palamarchuk |first3=Andrew |title=10 dead, 15 hurt as van mows down pedestrians along Yonge St.; suspect named |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/23/van-strikes-as-many-as-10-pedestrians-at-yonge-and-finch.html |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=April 23, 2018 |access-date=April 23, 2018 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722133341/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/23/van-strikes-as-many-as-10-pedestrians-at-yonge-and-finch.html |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |last1=Powell |first1=Betsy |last2=Pagliaro |first2=Jennifer |last3=Gillis |first3=Wendy |date=April 24, 2018 |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/24/van-attack-suspect-alek-minassian-due-in-court-tuesday-morning.html |title=Most victims in van rampage on Yonge St. were women, police say |work=Toronto Star |quote=Minassian was ordered not to have contact with any of the 13 attempt murder victims and when asked if he understood, he sharply said, "Yes." |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424134430/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/04/24/van-attack-suspect-alek-minassian-due-in-court-tuesday-morning.html |url-status=live}}

{{cite web |first1=Bryan |last1=Passifiume |first2=Kevin |last2=Connor |first3=Jane |last3=Stevenson |url=http://torontosun.com/news/local-news/multiple-pedestrians-struck-by-van-on-yonge-st |title=10 dead, 15 wounded when van hits pedestrians near Yonge and Finch |newspaper=Toronto Sun |date=April 23, 2018 |access-date=April 23, 2018 |archive-date=April 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423191345/http://torontosun.com/news/local-news/multiple-pedestrians-struck-by-van-on-yonge-st |url-status=live}}

{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/24/toronto-van-attack-suspect-alek-minassian/544944002/|title=Toronto van attack suspect Alek Minassian's Facebook account praised mass killer|work=USA Today|first1=Aamer|last1=Madhani|first2=John|last2=Bacon|date=April 24, 2018|access-date=April 25, 2018|language=en|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425105539/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/04/24/toronto-van-attack-suspect-alek-minassian/544944002/|url-status=live}}

}}

External links

[https://www.toronto.ca/home/media-room/backgrounders-other-resources/backgrounder-yonge-street-incident/ City of Toronto – Yonge Street Incident] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425061426/https://www.toronto.ca/home/media-room/backgrounders-other-resources/backgrounder-yonge-street-incident/ |date=April 25, 2018 }}
[http://tpsnews.ca/stories/2018/04/witnesses-sought-yonge-finch-investigation/ Toronto Police – Yonge-Finch Investigation]

Category:2010s road incidents in North America

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Category:Incel-related violence

Category:Mass murder in 2018