The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has reported the apprehension of a minor in Montreal on suspicion of terrorism-related activities. According to a recent press release, the RCMP indicated that the individual, described as a “young man,” was allegedly planning an attack directed at a school within the city. It is alleged that he utilized artificial intelligence in the potential orchestration of the attack and made threatening posts on the platform Telegram, targeting various groups such as Muslims, Haitians, and the 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
Sgt. Érique Gasse, a spokesperson for the RCMP, mentioned that the FBI provided information a few weeks ago alerting them to the individual’s alleged plans. The arrest took place at the minor’s residence on Friday morning as part of an investigation led by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, which focuses on monitoring and disrupting criminal activities associated with terrorist elements that pose a threat to Canada’s national security.
The arrested individual is currently undergoing questioning by investigators, while a search of his residence is being conducted for electronic devices and other items relevant to the investigation. The RCMP’s objective with the operation is to disrupt the suspected activities of the individual and to potentially secure a peace bond for monitoring and de-escalation purposes.
According to Gasse, the minor is scheduled to appear in youth court on Saturday morning, with the possibility of facing charges at a later date.