Transportation authorities in Toronto confirm they were notified on Wednesday morning about the ongoing terrorism investigation in Strathroy, Ont. where a suspect, identified as Aaron Driver, was later killed during a confrontation with RCMP officers.
Both the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Metrolinx say they were “made aware of a terror threat investigation” but had no specifics attached to it.
“As a precaution, we issued a ‘see something, say something’ vigilance notice to all TTC staff as we do after incidents that occur around the world or if advised of threats closer to home,” said TTC spokesman Brad Ross in an e-mail. “The threat, as I understand, was non-specific. The TTC was not a target.”
READ MORE: Email says Aaron Driver’s potential terrorist attack would have caused ‘mass casualties’
Metrolinx, Ontario’s regional transportation authority, said they also notified their staff to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.
“We were advised of a security threat. In response, we raised our level of vigilance and worked closely with national, provincial and local security and police services. Our first priority is always the safety of our customers and employees,” said Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins in an email statement.
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The RCMP said Wednesday it was investigating after receiving “credible information” of a potential terrorist threat to Canada.
“A suspect was identified and the proper course of action has been taken to ensure that there is no danger to the public’s safety,” RCMP said in a statement.
Driver, in his mid-20’s and originally from Winnipeg, had been under a court order since February to not associate with any terrorist organization, including the Islamic State group.
According to reports, the suspect allegedly planned to use a bomb to carry out a suicide bombing mission in a public area but was killed in a police operation.
READ MORE: Winnipeg terrorism suspect released; must follow 25 conditions
A body was later seen being brought out on a stretcher by authorities from a home in Strathroy, just west of London, Ont.
Residents in the southwestern Ontario community were asked to stay in their homes Wednesday afternoon which was cordoned off as local, provincial and federal law enforcement attended the scene.
Authorities have released very little information on the investigation but are expected to provide further details during a press conference in Ottawa on Thursday.
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