A judge has determined that the actions of Nathaniel Veltman, who struck and killed four members of a Muslim family in London with his truck, constituted terrorist activity. The 23-year-old Veltman, was previously found guilty of four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder for the tragic incident that occurred on June 6, 2021. This case marked the first instance where Canada’s terrorism laws were applied in a first-degree murder trial decided by a jury.
During the sentencing proceedings, Justice Renee Pomerance concluded that Veltman’s assault met the criteria for terrorism. The courtroom, filled with members of the Afzaal family, witnessed emotional reactions, with tears flowing as Justice Pomerance delivered her ruling.
Veltman’s victims included 46-year-old Salman Afzaal, his 44-year-old wife Madiha Salman, their 15-year-old daughter Yumna, and Salman’s 74-year-old mother, Talat Afzaal. Additionally, their nine-year-old son sustained serious injuries but survived the attack.
Written by: C. Soares