A self-described “incel” or “involuntary celibate” pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder for a van attack in Toronto that took place in April 2018.
Alek Minassian, 28, does not dispute that he perpetrated the attack, which is the worst mass-killing in the city’s history. What is in question is his mental state at the time. Minassian’s defense is that he is not criminally liable for the killings because of that mental state.
Minassian reserved a rental van three weeks before the attacks, according to a statement of facts agreed to by both the prosecution and defense. Upon picking up the vehicle, he drove into a crowd of people before moving on to others. Ten were killed, and 16 were injured. Eight of the 10 individuals killed were women.
Before the attacks, he wrote on Facebook, “Private (Recruit) Minassian Infantry 00010, wishing to speak to Sgt 4chan please. C23249161. The Incel Rebellion has already begun! We will overthrow all the Chads and Stacys! All hail the Supreme Gentleman Elliot Rodger!”
The “incel” movement is one that expresses sexual frustration over women’s unwillingness to have sex with them. The fringe ideology has largely been promoted online.
When asked by police how he felt about the killings, Minassian said, “I feel like I accomplished my mission.”
