Halifax police have apprehended a suspect, Ali Assakereh, in connection with a bomb threat directed at the local U.S. Consulate. The incident led to a significant evacuation of downtown buildings and streets for five hours. Assakereh, aged 54, appeared in Halifax provincial court on Tuesday facing charges of uttering threats and public mischief. His bail hearing was postponed to the following day at the Crown’s request, and he was remanded into custody.
Authorities were made aware of the bomb threat on Sunday night and discovered the suspect’s vehicle near the consulate the next morning. Assakereh was subsequently arrested in the west end of the city shortly afterward. While the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa declined to comment on the security issue, citing an ongoing police inquiry, it was confirmed that the evacuation orders were lifted at 2 p.m. on Monday, following an explosives expert’s determination that the propane tank and containers found in the vehicle posed no danger to public safety.
During his court appearance via video link on Tuesday, Assakereh, communicating through an Arabic interpreter, expressed his desire to present evidence of racism he has encountered. He also mentioned renouncing the Islamic religion and spoke about potential repercussions in an Islamic state. The interpreter relayed Assakereh’s concerns about threats faced by him and his family from various sources.
The bomb threat incident in Halifax occurred shortly after two suspects were charged with firing shots at the U.S. consulate in Toronto in July. The Toronto incident marked the second shooting targeting the consulate this year, with previous occurrences in March. RCMP Chief Supt. Chris Leather emphasized the need for heightened vigilance around consulates in Canada following these incidents.
In a separate case, an Iraqi national, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, was accused of plotting terror attacks in the U.S. and Canada in response to geopolitical conflicts. Allegations included directing others to target American and Israeli interests. Al-Saadi faced charges related to supporting terrorist organizations and plotting acts of terrorism. The charges against him are pending further legal proceedings.
The incidents highlight the ongoing concerns around security threats to diplomatic missions in Canada and the need for enhanced security measures in response to such events.