The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has reported the apprehension of a minor in Montreal linked to terrorism accusations. According to an RCMP press release, the individual, described as a “young man,” was allegedly planning an attack on a local school in the city. It is claimed that he utilized artificial intelligence in the potential orchestration of the attack and disseminated threatening messages via the messaging platform Telegram, targeting multiple groups such as Muslims, Haitians, and the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. RCMP representative Sgt. Érique Gasse mentioned that the FBI had provided information a few weeks ago regarding the individual’s attack plans.
The arrest took place at the minor’s residence on Friday morning as part of an investigation conducted by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, a collaborative effort among different agencies monitoring and thwarting criminal activities associated with terrorist entities or individuals posing threats to Canada’s national security.
Gasse stated that the individual is currently being interviewed by investigators while other officials are conducting a search of his residence for electronic devices or any items pertinent to the investigation. The objective of the police operation was to disrupt the suspected activities of the individual and to request a peace bond for monitoring and de-escalation purposes.
The minor is scheduled to appear in youth court on Saturday morning, with the possibility of facing charges at a later stage as indicated in the RCMP’s official statement.
