John Stewart Nuttall and Amanda Marie Korody were inspired by al-Qaida ideology but were self-radicalized, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner James Malizia said yesterday.
He called it a domestic threat without international connections.
Malizia told a news conference there was no evidence or indication to suggest a connection to the deadly Boston Marathon bombings in April, which used bombs made from pressure cookers.
RCMP Supt. Wayne Rideout said the public was never at risk, and the threat was detected early.
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Police said the pair targeted the celebrations, but the bombs were found outside the legislature before the crowds gathered.
"This self-radicalized behavior was intended to create maximum impact and harm to Canadian citizens at the B C legislature on a national holiday," Rideout said. "They took steps to educate themselves and produce explosive devices designed to cause injury and death."
The pair was charged with conspiracy, facilitating a terrorist activity and making an explosive device.
"We're also told that the suspects have no ties to any groups inside or outside Canada. Again, an incredible relief that these two individuals appeared to be working alone." Rideout stressed the pressure cooker devices were under police control and were inert.
Nuttall and Korody made a brief court appearance Tuesday and return July 9 for a bail hearing. Tom Morino, Nuttall's lawyer, said the two are a couple.
Morino said Nuttall is a convert to Islam, but he added that Islam and al-Qaida "don't go hand in hand.