Some of what was said Thursday about foiled suicide bombing in Ontario

OTTAWA – Some of what was said Thursday about the alleged terrorist plotthwarted by law enforcement agencies in Strathroy, Ont.:

“On August 10, 2016, the RCMP received information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that an unknown individual was in the final stages of planning an attack using a homemade explosive device, likely targeting an urban centre during the morning or afternoon rush hour and within the next 72 hours.” — Formal statement issued by the Mounties.

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“Very early in the morning, the RCMP received credible information from the FBI, including a martyrdom video that had been prepared by an unknown individual that was clearly in the final stages of planning an attack using a homemade explosive device.” — RCMP deputy commissioner Mike Cabana at a news conference.

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“The attack was supposed to be taking place within the following 72 hours and was likely to target an urban centre either during morning of afternoon rush hour.” — Cabana.

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“We were relatively quickly able to identify the individual as well as locate the individual and of course the individual was identified as 24-year-old Aaron Driver.” — Cabana.

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“How quickly this was all established is actually a testament to the level of collaboration that exists between law enforcement agencies and security agencies in Canada and the United States. Without that level of collaboration the outcome would have been quite different.” — Cabana.

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“At approximately 16:30 hours, that male suspect exited a residence on Park Street in Strathroy and he entered into a cab that had just arrived. The RCMP emergency response team engaged with the suspect, who detonated a device in the back of the cab. The cab driver suffered minor injuries and the suspect died during his engagement with police.” — RCMP assistant commissioner Jennifer Strachan.

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“There’s a fire burning in the chest of every Muslim, and this fire can be cooled only by the spilling of your blood. Your war on Islam is not the kind of crime we allow ourselves to dismiss, to forgive or to forget, insha’Allah.” — Excerpt from a video featuring a masked man whom the Mounties identified as Aaron Driver, 24.

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“Oh Canada, you received many warnings. You were told many times what will become of those who fight against the Islamic State. You watched as your allies in Europe and America had their bullets and bombs returned back to them. You saw bodies of the filthy French laying in their own streets.” — Driver.

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“This disturbing event serves to remind us that Canada is not immune to the threat of terrorism. Unwavering vigilance is always required.” — Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale.

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“I want to commend the RCMP, CSIS, local police and law enforcement agencies for their exceptional work in taking the appropriate measures in keeping Canadians safe and I want to thank the FBI for their assistance.” — Goodale.

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“The reported terror plot that was thwarted yesterday demonstrates that Canadians must not only remain vigilant about the threat of terrorism at home and abroad, but also be a strong contributor to military efforts to fight it worldwide.” — Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose.

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“Canadian Muslim communities are relieved that this alleged terrorist plot has been thwarted by swift action by the RCMP and our security agencies.” — Ihsaan Gardee, executive director, National Council of Canadian Muslims.

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“We have and will continue to denounce and speak out against violent extremism and this grotesque ideology of violence and hate.” — Gardee.