Alek Minassian Knew Van Attack Was Morally Wrong, Psychiatrist Testifies

Crown attorney Joe Callaghan, clockwise from top (L), Justice Anne Molloy, accused in the April 2018 Toronto van attack Alex Minsassian, and Dr. Alexander Westphal are shown during a murder trial conducted via Zoom videoconference, in this courtroom sketch on Nov. 30, 2020. The Canadian Press/Alexandra Newbould

TORONTO—A forensic psychiatrist retained by the prosecution at the trial of the man who killed 10 people in Toronto’s van attack says Alek Minassian knew his actions were morally wrong.

Dr. Scott Woodside says Minassian’s desire to gain notoriety demonstrates that he knew the attack would be viewed by the public as a terrible act.