Court Ruling: London Killer Committed Act of Terrorism in Targeting Muslim Family

A landmark court ruling in London, Ontario, determined that the brutal act committed by the convicted killer, Veltman, who targeted the Afzaal family, was an act of terrorism. Ontario Superior Court Justice Renee Pomerance described the incident as a ‘textbook example’ of a lone wolf terrorist act.

The tragic event unfolded on June 6, 2021, when Veltman intentionally drove his truck into the Afzaal family members, resulting in the deaths of Salman, Madiha, Yumna, and Talat Afzaal. The only survivor, their young son, was seriously injured in the attack.

The months-long trial, held in Windsor and London, culminated in Veltman’s conviction on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder in November. The sentencing process involved a thorough consideration of whether terrorism played a role in the heinous crime.

During the sentencing proceedings in London, Justice Pomerance handed down a life sentence without parole for 25 years for the first-degree murder charges. Additionally, a life sentence was imposed for the attempted murder charge, which requires a minimum of 10 years to be served.

Pomerance highlighted the offender’s white nationalist and Christian views as integral components of his motive. She emphasized that Veltman aimed to inspire fear within the Muslim community through this calculated and deliberate act.

The judge underlined Veltman’s meticulous planning leading up to the attack, which included purchasing a new truck with specific modifications aimed at maximizing harm. Upon encountering the Afzaal family, whom he identified as Muslim based on their clothing, Veltman accelerated without braking, resulting in catastrophic consequences.

Justice Pomerance deliberately abstained from mentioning the offender’s name and refrained from repeating his statements to the police on the night of his arrest. She underscored the delicate balance between media coverage and the perpetuation of fear sought by individuals engaging in terrorist activities.

The Afzaal family members, including Salman, a physiotherapist, Madiha, an accomplished engineer, Talat, a retired schoolteacher, and art-loving Yumna, were remembered for their warmth, talent, and kindness in emotional victim impact statements presented during the trial.

Following the sentencing, London Mayor Josh Morgan announced the raising of the Our London Family Flag outside City Hall in honor of the victims of the tragedy. He acknowledged the historic criminalization of white nationalism as terrorism and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to combatting Islamophobia.