The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has charged the Edmonton City Hall shooting suspect with terrorism.

The suspect, identified as Aaron Thomas, has been charged with five counts of second-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.

Police say Thomas entered Edmonton City Hall on February 15, 2023, and opened fire on employees and patrons.

In this shooting, four people were killed, including two security guards and a 39-year-old woman.

**Police say Thomas has a history of mental illness and his motive for the shooting is still unknown.

This is the first time in Canada that the new anti-terrorism law has been used to charge a person with a shooting.

A new anti-terrorism law passed in 2015 provides a broader definition of terrorism and imposes heavier penalties for terrorist crimes.

Canadian authorities say the use of this law in this case shows their commitment to combating terrorism.

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