Government offices in Edmonton firebombed as part of AOI escalation.

Original date of publication: January 2, 2097

Earlier this week Edmonton was met with acts of domestic terrorism as emergency vehicles raced to the scenes of two bombings.  The headquarters of the Alberta Oil and Natural Gas Commission (AONGC) and the DWNR's (Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources) Central Alberta Regional Office had molotov’s thrown into their lobbies just before noon.  According to initial findings from investigators the fire quickly spread, engulfing most of the first floor, and slowing evacuations as several exits were rendered inaccessible.  Edmonton Police have confirmed 7 people have been taken to hospital with minor to severe injuries and 2 deceased individuals were found by firefighters at the AONGC's office, 27 year old Christie Andrews and 50 year old Ahmed Nasir.

Christie Andrews had worked for the AONGC for 5 years as a sustainability Inspector after graduating from the University of Alberta in 2091 with a degree in Environmental Studies.  The Globe and Mail reached out to Christie's family for comment, her sister responded, “Christie was a great person, friend, and sister.  She believed in making the world a more sustainable place for future generations and was killed for it.  My sister was murdered by people who claim to love the environment as much as she did.”

Ahmed Nasir's family was also asked for comment but they didn't respond in time for publication.  However the AONGC did confirm that Ahmed had worked for the commission as a Manager for 7 years, and a total of 24.  According to his supervisor Ahmed was hard working and well respected by coworkers and subordinates.

The CETU (Counter Eco-Terrorism Unit) has taken over the investigation from Edmonton Police and updated the public on its current state with a press conference at Edmonton City Hall.  CETU Commander Julian Conner confirmed that the attacks were by members of the Anti-Oil Initiative, “You come after us, we come after you -AOI” was found spray painted on a nearby building by Edmonton Police.  This was likely in reference to two arrests of AOI members on December 5th by the CETU in conjunction with the MOZAC pipeline bombing.  Conner went on to call the bombings “a profound mark in escalation” and that “the Anti-Oil Initiative can no longer be considered just Eco-terrorists, but Domestic Terrorists” later in the conference.  As of now there has been no confirmation of the AOI being added to the Canadian Terror Watch-list; it seems likely it will be in the coming days.

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