The driver of the Toronto van attack was identified as Alek Minassian, 25. The name is a traditional Armenian one, according to news media. Police are still unsure of his motive. The death toll from the incident was revised to 10, with at least 15 injured. While police have not totally ruled out terrorism, they are also looking at mental illness, according to Heavy.com.
About 26 minutes after the attack, Minassian was arrested. When he exited the van, a brief and somewhat bizarre standoff ensued, as Minassian held his cell phone out in a manner that looked like a gun. He shouted, “Shoot me in the head!” No shots were fired by police, who were able to take him into custody.
There are conflicting pieces of information about the suspect, whether police were aware of him or not. His LinkedIn profile states he attended Seneca College in Toronto from 2011-2018, according to Time. He was an APP developer. His classmates stated he was good with computers.
People interviewed by the media said that Minassian was “not very social.” They also stated that while the parents were relatively friendly, none of the boys were, and would not make eye contact.
He has been charged with 10 counts of first degree murder.
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Alek Minassian, 25
-He will appear in court Tuesday, April 24, 2018
-10 am at 1000 Finch Avenue West court
-Information on charges to be released at that time
^dh— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) April 24, 2018
This is insane! @cp24 #toronto #cp24 pic.twitter.com/WyHtTcMbyw
— Warren (@Warren_f23) April 23, 2018
Police now inside home of Toronto van suspect. Alek Minassian lives in Richmond Hill, north of Toronto. (Picture by CBC’s Natalie Nanowski). pic.twitter.com/DGPAB8VfZa
— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) April 23, 2018
Memorial grows for victims of yesterday’s #torontovanattack pic.twitter.com/OxdvStzKYy
— Linda Ward (@LindaWardCBC) April 24, 2018
A significant stretch of Yonge Street remains closed Tuesday morning as police investigate a deadly attack that left 10 people dead and 15 others injured. pic.twitter.com/sinGkNgt7e
— CBC Toronto (@CBCToronto) April 24, 2018
Featured photo of Alek Minassian via Twitter