A suspect accused of injuring two Canadian soldiers at a Toronto military recruiting center told police that Allah compelled him to commit the act of violence, Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders said Tuesday. ‘

Ayanie Hassan Ali faces attempted murder charges after he attacked two soldiers with a knife on Monday, according to CNN.

“‘Allah told me to do this. Allah told me to come here and kill people,'” the suspect said, according to Saunders. The police chief went on to explain that the slashing could be categorized as an act of terrorism “because of certain comments that were made,” but that in order to charge Hassan Ali with terrorism “there needs to be more support.”

The suspect struck a master corporal sitting behind a table at the recruiting center and slashed him on the upper arm with his knife. He attempted to then stab a female service member, but she escaped, police said. He then walked to the back of the center where he stabbed a second man as troops subdued him. Both soldiers were released from the hospital.

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Write to Eliana Dockterman at eliana.dockterman@time.com.