Edmonton City Hall became the scene of chaos as a 28-year-old man, Bezhani Sarvar, allegedly unleashed a wave of violence on Tuesday morning. Facing a barrage of charges, including arson and firearms violations, Sarvar’s actions prompted a citywide lockdown and raised concerns about the security protocols in public spaces.
The incident unfolded at approximately 10:15 a.m. when Sarvar parked his vehicle in the city hall underground parkade and gained access to the building. Once inside, he ignited multiple handheld incendiary devices, suspected to be Molotov cocktails, causing a small fire near an elevator. Following this, he unleashed several rounds from a long gun, targeting the ceiling, walls, and windows.
Edmonton Police Service Chief Dale McFee described Sarvar as “heavily armed” during a news conference on Tuesday. Fortunately, an unarmed security guard detained Sarvar, preventing further harm, until the police arrived.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, along with city councillors, the fire chief, city staff, and journalists, were inside the building attending an emergency management committee meeting when the incident occurred. The lockdown affected everyone inside, including a Grade 1 class from Edmonton Public Schools on a field trip to city hall, who were safely escorted out of the building.
Despite the chaos, no injuries were reported, and Sarvar was swiftly taken into custody. The subsequent investigation revealed a concerning list of charges against him, including reckless arson in an occupied property, possession of incendiary materials, use of a firearm while committing an offence, careless use of a firearm, throwing an explosive substance, and possessing a prohibited or restricted weapon without a licence.
Edmonton Police Service and RCMP tactical teams conducted an extensive sweep of the building to ensure its safety. The Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET), a multi-agency group led by the RCMP, is actively involved in the investigation, emphasizing its importance in assessing potential threats to national security.
City Hall remained closed to staff and the public on Wednesday as Mayor Sohi emphasized the need to re-evaluate security protocols. The mayor stated that safety measures would be reviewed before reopening, with input from external security experts.
The charges include arson, possession of incendiary material, careless use of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, and throwing explosives with the intent to cause harm.
As the investigation continues, Edmontonians are left grappling with the traumatic event that unfolded within the heart of their city. Mayor Sohi reassured the public, stating, “When city hall opens back, we will try to bring it back to as normal as it can be after this very disturbing and traumatic event.” Bezhani Sarvar is scheduled for a bail hearing on Thursday, as the community seeks to understand the motive behind this unprecedented attack on their civic space.