EXCLUSIVE: London attack suspect was inspired by New Zealand mosque shooter, sources say
Global News
Written materials allegedly found by police following the June killing of a Muslim family in London, Ont., indicate the alleged attacker was influenced by the Christchurch gunman.
Written materials allegedly found by police following the June killing of a Muslim family in London, Ont., indicate the alleged attacker was influenced by the gunman who took 51 lives at two New Zealand mosques in 2019.
Multiple sources familiar with the investigation confirmed to Global News that a large volume of ideological writings, some allegedly penned by the suspect himself, were seized during the investigation into the vehicle attack that left four dead.
The written materials, which sources said were found in Nathaniel Veltman’s truck, home and computer, allegedly showed he was a follower of Brenton Tarrant, who opened fire on worshippers in Christchurch two years ago.
It would be the latest attack linked to New Zealand’s worst mass murderer. A subsequent shooting in 2019 that killed 23 at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, was also among those linked to the New Zealand attacks.
Following the June 6 attack in London, Veltman was charged with terrorism offences for allegedly striking a Muslim family with his pickup truck, but in the five since then authorities have disclosed little about his alleged motive.
While police have called the killings “hate motivated,” several sources familiar with the investigation told Global News that accused’s written materials pointed to the Christchurch gunman.
Veltman’s written materials — which have never been previously disclosed, and which have not been reviewed by Global News — may explain why Canadian authorities modified the charges against him soon after the attack, from first-degree murder to murder-terrorist activity.
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