International student charged in University of Waterloo triple stabbing

Police say a 24-year-old international student is facing multiple charges after three people were stabbed during a gender-studies class at the University of Waterloo on Wednesday.

Officers believe it was a targeted, hate-motivated attack related to gender identity and gender expression.

Waterloo Regional Police responded shortly after 3:30 p.m. to a classroom inside Hagey Hall that had 40 students in it at the time of the stabbing.

“The accused was not a member of the class but spoke with the professor in the class before attacking her with two large knives without provocation,” said Chief Mark Crowell.

“Several students attempted to stop the attack while others fled the room. While students were trying to escape, the accused stabbed two students and attempted to stab a third student, who was not physically injured.”

Paramedics transported a 38-year-old female professor, 20-year-old female student and 19-year-old male student to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators say the accused initially posed as a victim, but was then arrested in the building after witnesses provided a suspect description.

READ MORE: 3 in hospital, 1 in custody after University of Waterloo stabbing

Geovanny Villalba-Aleman has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault, four counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and mischief under $5,000.

Villalba-Aleman appeared in court Thursday for a bail hearing.

Waterloo police are scheduled to hold a press conference at 2 p.m. to discuss the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777.

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