By Barry Ellsworth
TRENTON, Canada (AA) – Police apprehended a man early Sunday who was dressed in medieval clothes and brandishing a sword, killing two people and wounding at five more in Quebec City.
Police said the 24-year-old, whose name has not been released, perpetrated the attack just before midnight and was arrested about 1 a.m. Sunday following a two-and-a-half-hour manhunt.
He did not live in the city and at this time has not been linked to any terrorist groups, police said at a press conference.
“My heart breaks for the loved ones of the two killed in last night’s horrific attack in Quebec City,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted. “I am also wishing for a full recovery to the injured.”
At a press conference Sunday, Quebec City Police Chief Robert Pigeon said authorities believe the man did not have specific targets.
“Dressed in medieval costume and armed with a Japanese sword, everything leads us to believe he chose his victims at random,” he said. “We were thrust into a night of horror.”
Mayor Regis Labeaume said the attack reminded him of an atrocity committed in Quebec City three years ago.
“This morning I have a feeling of playing again in an old movie, a film that unfolded Jan. 29, 2017 at the Quebec City mosque,” he said.
Labeaume was referring to the attack by a lone gunman at a mosque, killing six and injuring 19.
“It is a hallucinating event, terrifying, an event that is beyond comprehension. We believe it was an isolated act as was the attack on the mosque.”
Quebec Premier Francois Legault tweeted a response to the tragedy.
“Quebec is waking up after a night of horror,” he tweeted. “Words fail me to describe such a tragedy.”
Pigeon said the accused does not have a criminal record but about five years ago, while in a “medical” setting, talked about committing violence. Pidgeon did not explain further.
The Japanese sword, called a Kanata, is not illegal.
Police said the five in hospital were expected to recover from their wounds.
