A  man was sentenced to 15 years and 20 months  in jail Thursday  after being found guilty on terrorism-related charges. 

On April 1, 2023, Metro Vancouver Transit Police and Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a knife attack at a bus stop in Surrey, B.C. The suspect, Abdul Aziz Kawam, 31, approached a male victim at a bus stop, then threatened and chased him with a knife. The victim was able to escape, however, Kawam then boarded a Coast Mountain transit bus and seriously injured another person with the knife. Kawam was pushed off the bus and stated that he pledged allegiance to Abu Al-Hussaini Al-Quraishi - leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) at the time.  Kawam was arrested by frontline police members while holding the bloody knife and subsequently held in custody. Transit police began an investigation which was transferred to the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team. 

On June 30,  Kawam was convicted in the Supreme Court of British Columbia of the following charges Attempt to Commit Murder, for the benefit of, or in association with a terrorist group, contrary to Section 239(1)(b) & 83.2 of the Criminal Code; Assault with a Weapon for the benefit of, or in association with a terrorist group, contrary to Section 267 & 83.2 of the Criminal Code.

On October 29, Kawam was sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempted murder and 20 months for assault with a weapon. At the time of sentencing, Kawam had spent 3 years and 7 months in jail, credited as 5 years 4 months. 

“Incidents of this nature have a profound impact on the individuals involved and the whole community, says Corporal Parmbir Kahlon of Federal Policing Pacific Region.  “As the court process concludes, we hope this outcome provides a measure of reassurance to those affected and our commitment to keeping our communities safe.”