Father and son face terror charges related to potential ‘violent attack’ in Toronto: RCMP

A father and son are facing terror-related and conspiracy to commit murder charges after the RCMP arrested two men this past weekend at a Richmond Hill hotel whom they believe were “in the advanced stages of planning a serious, violent attack in Toronto.”

RCMP Assistant Commissioner Matt Peggs said at a press conference on Wednesday morning federal investigators believe two men were recently and knowingly engaged in terrorist activity in the Greater Toronto Area.

Members of the RCMP’s GTA Integrated National Security Enforcement Team made the arrests at the hotel.

The RCMP said in a news release issued on Wednesday morning there’s no evidence to suggest there is any remaining risk to public safety.

The investigation has reportedly revealed that two men were involved with the terror group ISIS prior to this past weekend.

Peel Regional Police, Durham Regional Police, Toronto Police and the OPP are among other law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.

The RCMP said security threats on this scale are a top priority for investigators.

The federal law enforcement agency “takes all threats to our national security very seriously,” Peggs told reporters at the RCMP’s Newmarket detachment. “This was an imminent threat and we were able to prevent serious injuries or loss of life.”

Ahmed Eldidi, 62, and Mostafa Eldidi, 26, both of Toronto, are each charged with:

• participation in the activities of a terrorist group
• facilitating terrorist activity
• one count each of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
• conspiracy to commit murder

In addition, Ahmed Eldidi faces a charge of aggravated assault.

Both men are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday morning.

The RCMP’s GTA Integrated National Security Enforcement Team is comprised of federal police officers in addition to members of municipal and provincial police forces. It collects, shares and analyzes information concerning threats to national security and criminal extremism/terrorism, the RCMP said.