The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has apprehended a minor in Montreal regarding terrorism suspicions. According to an RCMP statement released on Friday, the individual, identified as a “young man,” is believed to have planned an attack on a local school. Allegedly, he utilized artificial intelligence in the planning process and posted threatening messages on the platform Telegram, targeting various groups such as Muslims, Haitians, and the 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
The arrest was made at the individual’s residence on Friday morning as part of an investigation conducted by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, a collaborative effort aimed at monitoring and thwarting criminal activities of terrorist entities or individuals posing threats to Canada’s national security.
Sgt. Érique Gasse, an RCMP spokesperson, mentioned that the FBI provided tips a few weeks ago alerting them to the individual’s attack plans. The ongoing investigation involves consultations with the arrested individual and a search of his residence for electronic devices or any relevant evidence.
The RCMP’s objective with the operation is to disrupt the suspected activities of the individual and secure a peace bond for monitoring and de-escalation measures. The individual is scheduled to appear in youth court on Saturday morning, with the possibility of facing charges at a later stage.
