Huzaifa returned to Canada in 2016 after two years of fighting for the Islamic State . Upon his return , he had discussions with journalist Rukmini Callimachi ; she stated that he initially felt confident that he had escaped law enforcement . Former schoolmates stated that Huzaifa was a " loner " and an " anti-social guy " without " many friends " . Huzaifa 's background story was compared to those of Quebec Mosque shooter Alexandre Bissonnette and Toronto van attack suspect Alek Minassian . A year after Huzaifa returned , he was interviewed by CBC News and stated that he saw violence on a scale he could " never imagine " when he fought for the Islamic State . Mubin Shaikh stated that Huzaifi could be " rehabilitated " and that Canada needs to " have an eye " on him
Toronto van attack
Toronto van attack
Abu Huzaifa al-Kanadi