SURREY, B.C. – Two people accused of plotting to set off explosives during Canada Day celebrations at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria have been arrested on terrorism charges. Amanda Korody and John Nuttall are accused of knowingly facilitating a terrorist activity and possession of an explosive substance. Mounties say they were in control during the investigation and ensured that the devices could not be detonated and there was no danger to the public. “Project Souvenir” was launched back in February. RCMP Assistant Commissioner James Malitzia says the pair doesn’t appear to have any links to foreign terror groups, but “our investigation revealed that these individuals were inspired by al-Qaida ideology.” At a news conference this morning, Mounties displayed photos of suspected explosives made with pressure cookers that appeared similar to those used in the deadly Boston Marathon bombings. Nuttall and Korody were arrested yesterday in Abbotsford; they are being held in custody in Surrey. Premier Christy Clark had this to say to “anyone who would resort to terror”: “You will not succeed in damaging our democratic institutions. But just as importantly, you will not succeed in tearing down the values that make this country strong.” “They hope to change us. We will not change. We will remain Canadian, bound together by open hearts and optimism for the future of our country, our towns, our cities, our province, our families, and all of those we love.” “They want us to be governed by fear. They want us to view each other with suspicion. They want us to be seized with anger. They want this because they hate the things that make us Canadian. They hate the values that make BC and Canada unique in the world.” What safeguards are there at the Legislature? OMNI TV Political Analyst Kim Emerson says Mounties do regular sweeps of the building. “The RCMP go through the entire building and sweep the building for any variety of things… for suspicious packages, for bugs or listening devices… They go through and do a very thorough and diligent sweep of the entire building. They do the grounds, as well,” says Emerson. He tells us the premier usually has at least two RCMP members by her side at all times while she’s on government business. “They’re pretty easy to spot. There are others that you see from time to time around the buildings, as well. It’s well-monitored, there are things that go on on a regular basis to make sure that things aren’t happening that are out of the usual today,” he explains. Emerson has been speaking with people around the Legislature today, and tells us they’re all in shock. “It’s just like ‘Wow, that happened here? Holy smokes, what’s going on?’ That’s pretty much the standard reply you hear from an awful lot of people. They’re just absolutely amazed… glad that nothing happened, glad that no one’s hurt… but pretty amazed that it was here in Victoria.” Read more..