By CHAT News Today

Murder charges laid against Quebec City mosque attack suspect

Jan 30, 2017 | 2:45 PM

QUEBEC CITY — Murder charges have officially been laid against a 27-year-old man who allegedly killed six people in a terrorist attack at a Quebec City mosque.

Alexandre Bissonnette faces six counts of first-degree murder in the Sunday evening attack, and five counts of attempted murder.

Quebec Provincial Police says Bissonnette is also the only suspect at this point. A second man, Mohamed Belkhadir, was initially considered a suspect and was taken into custody, but further investigation determined he was a witness.

According to police, the attacks occurred inside the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec in Quebec City’s Ste-Foy neighbourhood. A masked gunman entered the building and opened fire during evening prayers shortly before 8 p.m., according to eye witnesses

The victims were identified as men who ranged in age from 35 to 60. Five people remain in hospital, with two in critical condition and the three others stable. At least 14 others suffered minor injuries and were released.

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The attack has been called a terrorist attack by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard.

Police said Bissonnette is not “known to police.”