Halifax authorities have pressed charges against an individual for issuing a bomb threat against the local U.S. Consulate, leading to the evacuation of numerous downtown buildings and streets for five hours. Ali Assakereh, a 54-year-old resident of Halifax, made his court appearance on Tuesday facing allegations of making threats and causing public disturbance. His bail hearing was postponed to the following day as per the Crown’s request, and he was remanded in custody.
The police were alerted to the bomb threat on Sunday night and later discovered the suspect’s vehicle parked near the consulate the next morning. Assakereh was apprehended shortly thereafter in the west end of the city. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa declined to comment on the security issue, citing the ongoing police inquiry.
Authorities found a propane tank and containers with flammable liquids in the vehicle, but after examination by an explosives specialist, it was determined that they did not pose a danger to public safety. Consequently, the evacuation orders were lifted at 2 p.m. on Monday.
During his court appearance on Tuesday via a video link, Assakereh, aided by an Arabic interpreter, expressed his desire to present evidence of racism he has encountered. He mentioned his departure from the Islamic religion and commented on the potential consequences if he were in an Islamic state. The interpreter conveyed Assakereh’s concerns about threats faced by him and his family from various entities.
This incident in Halifax occurred shortly after two individuals were charged with shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto in July. The suspects, a 19-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy, are facing multiple charges related to what authorities have described as a criminal operation. Previous incidents targeting the consulate in Toronto also occurred earlier this year.
In a separate case, an Iraqi national accused in the U.S. of plotting terror activities linked to Iran was additionally implicated in attacks in Canada. Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi faced charges in New York for supporting Iran-backed terrorist groups and conspiring to carry out acts of terrorism.
None of the accusations against Al-Saadi have been tried in court. The incidents serve as a reminder of the need for enhanced vigilance at consulates in Canada.