Brandon sword attack suspect was targeting people of colour: police chief

Brandon’s police chief say investigators see the recent sword attack at a high school was racially motivated.

The suspect in a sword attack at a Brandon, Man., high school was targeting people based on race, according to the city’s police chief.

In a statement, Brandon Police Chief Tyler Bates said the investigating is “complex and ongoing.” However, officers have now found a “significant amount” of evidence that indicates the suspect’s political and racial ideologies were motivators of the crime.

“The offender planned the attack and the perpetration of violence against targets chosen specifically based on race — targeting people of colour and immigrants,” he said.

“It was a deliberate, senseless, targeted act of hate. This is disturbing and no one should ever fear for their safety because of the colour of their skin, and no child should be made to feel unsafe in a place of learning.”

Bates went on to say that he has “no doubt” that the combination of the school division’s emergency planning, the relationship between students and school liaison officers, and the speedy response of police helped to prevent mass casualties.

“It is clear that there remains work to do to further enhance and improve safety within Brandon schools and we will continue working with our partners in education, mental health, and community organizations to ensure that our schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for everyone,” he said.

Bates’ remarks come after a 16-year-old student at Neelin High School was arrested and charged last week with attempted murder after he allegedly brought a sword to school and attacked another student. The charges have not been proven in court.

The victim, Chinonso Onuke, sustained several injuries, including wounds to his chest, abdomen, and leg.

- With files from CTV’s Devon McKendrick.