The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has apprehended a minor in Montreal on suspicions of terrorism-related activities. According to an RCMP statement released on Friday, the young individual was reportedly planning an attack on a local school in the city.
Authorities revealed that the minor utilized artificial intelligence in the alleged planning of the attack and disseminated menacing messages on the messaging platform Telegram, targeting various groups, including Muslims, Haitians, and the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Sgt. Érique Gasse, an RCMP spokesperson, mentioned that the FBI provided tips a few weeks ago, alerting them to the individual’s intentions.
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 tracking and disrupting criminal activities of terrorist entities or individuals posing threats to Canada’s national security.
Gasse stated that the minor is currently being interrogated by investigators while a search of his residence is conducted to recover electronic devices or any potential evidence relevant to the case. The RCMP’s primary objective with the operation was to disrupt the suspected activities of the individual and potentially secure a peace bond for monitoring and intervention purposes.
The minor is expected to appear in youth court on Saturday morning, although formal charges may be laid at a later date as per the RCMP’s announcement.