A dramatic security scare unfolded at Vancouver International Airport when 39-year-old Canadian Shaheer Cassim allegedly hijacked a Cessna 172 from Victoria International Airport on Tuesday, prompting the North American Aerospace Defense Command to scramble F-15 fighter jets. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) charged Cassim with hijacking, deemed a terrorism offense, after he flew 40 miles to Vancouver, circling the airport and causing a 39-minute ground stop.

RCMP Sgt. Tammy Lobb stated that Cassim acted with an “ideological motive to disrupt airspace.” A social media account linked to Cassim, who claimed to be “Sam Carana” of the Arctic News blog, revealed his belief that he was a “messiah” sent to save humanity from “abrupt runaway global warming.” He warned of Arctic ice melting within two years, triggering catastrophic climate change. In 2012, Cassim cycled cross-country to raise climate awareness, reflecting his long-standing environmental activism.

Cassim, a former pilot at KD Air from 2008 to 2010, was praised by former employers Diana and Lars Banke as a brilliant aviator. However, Lars noted Cassim’s belief in an impending global collapse, though they were unaware of any religious motivations. British Columbia Premier David Eby called the incident a “bizarre moment,” crediting responders for preventing further disruption. Cassim was arrested after landing and faces court on July 22.

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