Ottawa Shooter Michael Zehaf-Bibeau Had 'Ideological And Political Motives', Canada Police Say

Ottawa shooter Michael Zehaf-Bibeau had "ideological and political motives" for Wednesday's attack, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement on Sunday.

Zehaf-Bibeau opened fire near Canada's Parliament building and fatally shot a soldier before being killed by a sergeant-at-arms.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has labeled the attack an act of terrorism.

Designated a high-risk traveler, the shooter had been barred from leaving the country. U.S. officials said that he recently converted to Islam.

Police said that they have "persuasive evidence" of Zehaf-Bibeau's political motives. According to police, Zehaf-Bibeau had recorded a video of himself prior to the attack that provided some clues. The statement also provided more information on the shooter's weapons and finances.

Details of Zehaf-Bibeau's life have begun to trickle out in the days following the shooting. His mother told the AP that he had a troubled past. The 32-year-old had been arrested several times for crimes such as robbery and drug possession.