Canadian Man on Drugs Convicted of Killing Muslim Family, Jury Hears

Closing arguments were presented in the trial of Nathaniel Veltman, a Canadian man accused of murdering four members of a Muslim family by running them over with his vehicle. Veltman faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and terrorism counts. The prosecution argues that Veltman deliberately targeted the Afzaal family because of their faith. Both the defense and prosecution agree that Veltman was the driver, but Veltman has pleaded not guilty, claiming to have been in a "dreamlike state" at the time of the incident. The victims in the attack were Salman Afzaal, Madiha Salman, Yumna Afzaal, and Talat Afzaal, while their nine-year-old son was seriously injured but survived. This trial is significant as it involves legal arguments on terrorism related to white supremacy for the first time in Canada. Veltman testified that he had consumed a large amount of magic mushrooms prior to the incident and claimed to have had thoughts of running over Muslims, which he resisted until he saw the Afzaal family. A forensic psychiatrist diagnosed Veltman with various mental health issues, and the defense argued that his mental state at the time was out of control. Prosecutors, on the other hand, maintain that Veltman's actions were motivated by hate and white nationalist ideologies. They presented evidence such as witnesses and video footage of the crash and Veltman's statements identifying himself as a white nationalist and admitting his intentions. The defense argued that these statements were made under duress and that Veltman's mental disorders make it difficult to prove intent. The prosecution, however, believes the evidence against Veltman is overwhelming and his confession coherent. The jury will now deliberate Veltman's fate, and if found guilty, he could face life in prison. This trial also raises questions regarding Canada's terrorism charges in cases where the motive is based on religious or racial hatred, and whether a mental disorder can be used as a defense in criminal responsibility.