RCMP had arrested Couture-Rouleau, but could not charge him with any crime

Martin Couture-Rouleau is seen in this undated photo.

The federal government says the deadly car crash that took place Monday in St. Jean sur Richelieu is linked to terrorist activity.

The RCMP confirmed Tuesday that Couture-Rouleau’s family noticed a change in him last year and consulted authorities. The RCMP began to investigate Rouleau in June and arrested him July, revoking his passport after he attempted to travel to Turkey. The RCMP released him without enough evidence to charge him for any crime.

Radicalized thoughts are not a crime in Canada, said the RCMP.

They last met with Couture-Rouleau on Oct. 9, but still found it impossible to predict the terrorist act, because he acted alone, and the weapon in this matter was a car.

Federal Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney and provincial Public Security Minister Lise Theriault made brief statements Tuesday morning in St. Jean sur Richelieu, one day after a driver ran down two soldiers.

“What took place yesterday is clearly linked to terrorist ideology and that's why we are offering the support of the RCMP in the ongoing investigation,” said Blaney.

Martin Couture-Rouleau fled the scene when police arrived, and was shot by police following a high-speed chase that ended when Rouleau lost control of his car. He was brandishing a knife, and tried to attack police. He died in ambulance on the way to the hospital, the RCMP has confirmed.

The Surete du Quebec said Couture-Rouleau intended to attack the military in some fashion.

"What I can say is right now, the working thesis is that it's a deliberate act. With regards to how it was planned, it's really hard to say. The investigation is starting, we're going to stick to the facts," said Lt. Guy Lapointe of the SQ.

Police have since learned that Couture-Rouleau was sitting in his car in that parking lot as early as 9:15 a.m., and are asking anyone who spotted a man sitting in a beige Nissan Altima to contact them with more information.

Overnight one of those soldiers hit by the car died of his injuries.

Police identified him on Tuesday as 53-year-old Patrice Vincent.

"This is a terrible act of violence against our country, against our military against our values," said Blaney, who then went on to praise the actions of the Richelieu police.

"I commend them for their courage and their bravery."

The Prime Minister's Office said federal authorities had been monitoring Rouleau for some time, and there are reports that his passport was revoked several weeks ago.

The National Assembly in Quebec held a minute of silence to remember the fallen soldier Tuesday.

Premier Philippe Couillard said there are measures in place to fight radical fundamentalism, but he acknowledges, Quebec is not immune to these types of attacks

“Quebec is not an island separated from the world,” he said. “We are also targeted by those acts. Unfortunately one happened on our soil.”

Friends and neighbours said Couture-Rouleau, 25, had gone through many changes over the past year, losing all his friends.

"He seemed to become a Muslim, then he was all alone," said his neighbour Bruno, who only wanted to use his first name.

"He was alone, not like before, when he had many friends. It was sad."

At the St. Jean sur Richelieu garrison, many soldiers said the attack won't deter them from doing their work, but their minds are currently on their fallen colleague.

“We're all touched by what happened,” said Lt. Navy Marco Chouinard. “We're like a big family in the Canadian Armed Forces and this is a very unfortunate incident.”

The RCMP, Surete du Quebec and Montreal police are all urging anyone who notices an abrupt change in a friend or family member to not hesistate to contact them.

For the SQ, call 1-800-659-4264 or visit this page.

Fo the RCMP, call 1-800-420-5805.