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Canada hate crime suspect charged with terrorism

A Canadian man accused of a violent anti-Muslim hate crime last week now faces terrorism charges, along with counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder.

20 year old Nathaniel Veltman was arrested in London, Ontario last Sunday, shortly after running over a Muslim family with his truck, killing four of them.

Canadian authorities said Monday Veltman's attack constituted terrorist activity.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland reacted to the new charges, saying quote: "it is important for us identify the terrible threat that white supremacism poses to Canada and to Canadians."

A 9-year-old boy, the sole survivor of the attack, was released from the hospital on Monday, according to local media.

Him and his family were out for an evening walk near their home when they were run over on the sidewalk.

It was the worst attack against Canadian Muslims since the Quebec City mosque shooting in 2017.

So far, few details have emerged on why police say the attack was a pre-meditated hate crime.

Due to a publication ban, details from Veltman's hearing on Monday cannot be revealed. He has not yet retained a lawyer.

Veltman is due in court again on June 21.