Surrey man sentenced to 15 years and 8 months for ISIS-inspired bus attack
Abdul Aziz Kawam, 31, was sentenced October 29, 2026 in BC Supreme Court to 15 years and 20 months on terrorism-related charges for a 2023 knife attack on two people in Surrey that he carried out in the name of ISIS.
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Abdul Aziz Kawam, 31, was sentenced to 15 years and 20 months in BC Supreme Court on October 29, 2026, on terrorism-related charges for a knife attack on two people in Surrey in 2023. The Surrey Now-Leader and Peace Arch News both reported the sentence on October 29.
Kawam attacked two people on April 1, 2023, one at a bus stop and one on a 503 Coast Mountain bus in the 14800-block of Fraser Highway in Surrey, according to the Now-Leader. The victims are shielded by a publication ban. The attack was investigated by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, which handles terrorism cases in Canada.
The pledge and the charge
Before the attack, Kawam pledged allegiance to Abu Al-Hussaini Al-Quraishi, an ISIS leader, the Now-Leader reported. The court heard terrorism-related charges tied to that pledge. The case was prosecuted in BC Supreme Court under terrorism provisions of the Criminal Code rather than solely as an assault.
The sentence
The Crown asked for 20 years. The defence asked for 7 years. The court sentenced Kawam to 15 years and 20 months. He had already served 3 years and 7 months in pre-sentence custody, which the court credited as 5 years and 4 months toward his sentence, according to the Now-Leader.
RCMP Corporal Parmbir Kahlon was quoted in the Now-Leader saying the sentence sends a message to anyone who might consider a similar act. Kahlon referred to the work of the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team on the case.
What Surrey transit riders can do
The attack took place on Fraser Highway near King George Boulevard in Surrey. The new Surrey City Council's promise tracker, at /bc/surrey-2026/tracker, follows what the council does on public safety matters. If you see suspicious behaviour on a bus or at a transit stop, contact Transit Police at 604-515-8300 or text 87 77 77. Surrey RCMP can also be reached at 604-599-0502.
Questions this story answers
Who was sentenced in this case, and what was the sentence?
Abdul Aziz Kawam, 31, was sentenced on October 29, 2026 in BC Supreme Court to 15 years and 20 months on terrorism-related charges. The Surrey Now-Leader and Peace Arch News both reported the sentence on October 29. Kawam had already served 3 years and 7 months in pre-sentence custody, which the court credited as 5 years and 4 months toward the sentence. He will serve the remainder of the term after that credit is applied.
What happened in the attack?
The Surrey Now-Leader reported that Kawam attacked two people on April 1, 2023. One victim was at a bus stop and one was on a 503 Coast Mountain bus in the 14800-block of Fraser Highway in Surrey. The attack was carried out with a knife. Both victims are shielded by a publication ban, so their names and condition were not reported. The attack was investigated by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, which handles terrorism cases.
What was his motivation, according to the court?
The Surrey Now-Leader reported that before the attack, Kawam pledged allegiance to Abu Al-Hussaini Al-Quraishi, an ISIS leader. The court heard terrorism-related charges tied to that pledge. The case was prosecuted in BC Supreme Court in Surrey on terrorism grounds, not solely as an assault or weapons offence.
What did the Crown and defence ask for?
The Surrey Now-Leader reported that the Crown asked for 20 years. The defence asked for 7 years. BC Supreme Court sentenced Kawam to 15 years and 20 months, a term between the two positions. The court also credited his pre-sentence custody, which reduced the remaining time to be served.
What did Surrey's RCMP say after the sentencing?
RCMP Corporal Parmbir Kahlon was quoted in the Surrey Now-Leader saying the sentence sends a message to anyone who might consider a similar act. Kahlon's comments referred to the work of the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team on the case. Surrey RCMP worked alongside the team during the investigation.
What is the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team?
The Integrated National Security Enforcement Team is a joint unit that investigates terrorism and national security cases in Canada. The Surrey Now-Leader reported that this team investigated the Fraser Highway attack. Cases it handles are typically prosecuted under terrorism sections of the Criminal Code, which carry different sentencing rules than standard assault charges.
Is this case connected to Surrey's new City Council or Board of Education?
The case is not directly connected to Surrey's elected officials. It involves a criminal matter heard in BC Supreme Court. Surrey residents can track what the new City Council does on public safety matters at the promise tracker on this site at /bc/surrey-2026/tracker.
What should Surrey transit riders know about safety?
The attack happened in April 2023 at a bus stop and on a Coast Mountain bus on Fraser Highway in Surrey. Surrey's police service and Transit Police both operate in the area. If you see suspicious behaviour on a bus or at a transit stop, you can contact Transit Police at 604-515-8300 or text 87 77 77. You can also report to Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.
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