police officers
police officersAFP file

Two suspects have been arrested on terror charges after having been accused of plotting to use explosive devices in British Columbia on “Canada Day” which fell on Monday, James Malizia of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Tuesday.

The alleged target on the national day of Canada was the B.C. legislature, said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Wayne Rideout, according to CNN.

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, according to CNN.

"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, that 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, according to CNN.