The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has reported the apprehension of a minor in Montreal on suspicion of involvement in terrorism activities. According to a recent press release, the RCMP indicated that the young individual was allegedly planning an assault directed at a school within the city. The suspect purportedly utilized artificial intelligence in the potential orchestration of the attack and disseminated threatening messages via the platform Telegram, targeting various communities including Muslims, Haitians, and the 2SLGBTQ+ groups, as stated by RCMP representative Sgt. Érique Gasse.
Sgt. Gasse mentioned that the FBI had provided tips a few weeks prior, alerting them to the individual’s planned attack. The arrest of the individual took place at his residence on Friday morning as part of an inquiry spearheaded by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team. This team comprises multiple agencies dedicated to monitoring and thwarting criminal activities of terrorist entities or individuals posing threats to Canada’s national security.
The ongoing investigation involves the minor cooperating with investigators while a search of his residence for electronic devices or other pertinent items related to the case is being conducted. The RCMP’s objective with the operation is to disrupt the suspected activities of the individual and secure a peace bond to enable monitoring and de-escalation efforts.
Sgt. Gasse confirmed that the individual is scheduled to appear in youth court on Saturday morning, with the possibility of facing charges at a later stage.