IED event in Alberta, Edmonton area, Canada on Wed 24th January 2024

A man accused of firing a gun and throwing homemade bombs in Edmonton city hall is facing a string of charges and is under investigation by national security police.

Police on Wednesday charged Bezhani Sarvar, 28, with six crimes including possession of incendiary material, arson, throwing explosives with intent to cause harm and reckless use of a weapon. The Commissionaires, which provides security services at city hall and other government buildings, confirmed Sarvar worked as a security guard for the company.

Edmonton city police continue to probe the incident alongside the RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team. In a statement Wednesday, EPS Chief Dale McFee said police are also reviewing an apparent manifesto video “that may be related to this incident.” 

“Our officers are working closely with our national security partners on this investigation,” McFee said. “I would like to reassure the public that we believe there is no further threat to public safety at this time. The investigation is in its early stages, and we will continue to update Edmontonians as it progresses.”

An RCMP spokesperson confirmed INSET is “engaged and actively working with” city police on the investigation but declined to comment further.  

City hall was locked down and evacuated Tuesday morning after a man armed with a long-gun entered the building through the parkade, fired shots and threw a Molotov cocktail. Councillors — some of whom were in a committee meeting at city hall — were told there was an “active shooter” in the building, while Grade 1 kids on a field trip sheltered in place or were whisked to safety.