( CNN ) -- Two suspects have been arrested on terror charges and are accused of plotting to use explosive devices in Victoria , British Columbia , on Canada Day , which fell on Monday , James Malizia of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Tuesday . The alleged target was the B.C . legislature , according to RCMP Assistant Commissioner Wayne Rideout . Two Canadian-born citizens , John Nuttall and Amanda Korody , have been charged with conspiring to place an explosive in or against a place of public use , with intent to cause death or serious bodily injury ; facilitating terrorist activity ; and making or having in their possession an explosive substance with intent to endanger life , Rideout said . `` 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 . The suspects `` were inspired by al Qaeda ideology , '' Malizia said , adding , however , there was no international link to the alleged plot . The alleged threat was detected early and `` at no time was the security of the public at risk , '' Malizia said .
NEW : The alleged target was the British Columbia legislature . FBI : The suspects are identified as Canadian - born John Nuttall and Michael Smith . The alleged ` ` were motivated by Al Qaeda ideology , '' police say .