Samurai sword-wielding man in 'Medieval-style clothing' slays two, injures five in Quebec City

A man wielding a samurai sword and dressed in Medieval-style clothing left at least two people dead and another five injured overnight in Quebec City. The attack is the most deadly incident in the city since the Quebec City mosque shooting left six dead and 19 injured in 2017.

The suspect, who's identity has not yet been revealed by police, began his stabbing spree at around 10:30 p.m. near the National Assembly of Quebec in the city's historic district. Victims were found in a number of locations, including near the Château Frontenac Hotel, Des Remparts Street, Du Trésor, and Sainte-Anne streets. According to eyewitness reports, the victim found in front of the hotel was "covered in blood."

Quebec City police advised residents in a tweet to remain inside with their doors locked, and if that was not possible, to avoid the area surrounding Parliament Hill.

The night of terror did not end until the victim was apprehended by police with the help of K-9 units at around 1:00 a.m. According to BBC News, the assailant was discovered by a security guard barefoot, on the floor, and suffering from hypothermia. He did not resist arrest.

The police did not immediately offer much information about the suspect, other than that he was in his mid-20s and that he was from a suburb of Montreal, not Quebec City.

According to police, the assailant came to Quebec City with the intent of doing as much harm as possible and that the attack was premeditated, although the victims themselves were chosen at random. They did not, however, offer a specific motive beyond "personal reasons." The police do not believe the stabbing spree to be connected to terrorism, according to CTV News.

CTV News also reported that the surviving victims, along with the attacker, were taken to hospital for treatment. Their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

Political leaders across Canada issued statements over Twitter reacting to the mass stabbing. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his hope that the surviving victims make a full recovery. He also, along with Opposition Leader Erin O'Toole, thanked first responders for their handling of the incident.

Regis Labeaume, the mayor of Quebec City, told reporters that the stabbing spree reveals the need for more investment in mental healthcare. "This tragedy adds to our collective mental load from the pandemic, we will do everything necessary to deal with the psychological consequences of tragedy," said Labeaume.