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“This group of individuals we would not define as a terrorist group,” he said.

“Their friendship is not based on culture or ideology. They were four individuals who formed a friendship and decided to plan and commit a heinous crime.”

Police Chief Jean-Michel Blais said the Halifax Shopping Centre in the west end of the city was the target of the alleged plot.

Brennan said three long-barrelled rifles were seized from the home where the deceased man was found, but wouldn’t reveal what types of weapons they were.

None of the allegations made by police or other officials about the case have been heard or proven in court.

The investigation kicked into gear following a single, anonymous call to Crime Stoppers on Thursday morning from a Canadian source. Police say that led them to the home in Timberlea, a quiet Halifax suburb.

Brennan said the 20-year-old man was waiting to pick up the 23-year-old woman at the Halifax airport, where both were arrested at around 2 a.m. on Friday.

Police in Geneva said officers took multiple, unspecified items from her residence at the request of Canadian police.

Justice Minister Peter MacKay said earlier in the day that the unidentified 19-year-old and Souvannarath had been corresponding online, “with the goal of opening fire and committing an horrific of violence against us.” Police would not elaborate on their relationship.

MacKay also insisted the alleged plot had no terrorist underpinnings, appeared to be random and without any specific philosophy, though he suggested the suspects could be radicalized.