P.E.I. man faces Atlantic Canada’s first-ever terrorism charges

A P.E.I. man is charged with making firearms with a 3D printer.

The RCMP says a Prince Edward Island man is facing the first terrorism charges ever laid in Atlantic Canada in connection with a case involving 3D-printed guns.

The charges follow an investigation by federal police on the island earlier this year. Officers received information that a man was allegedly threatening individuals and organizations online on Feb. 24, according to an RCMP news release from August.

Police arrested Daniel Desmond Crowder and allegedly seized firearm components from his residence in February.

Crowder was charged with a number of firearm offences in the summer and the RCMP issued a terrorism peace bond for the 50-year-old man.

Now, police say the North Rustico man is facing two separate terrorism charges for allegedly making 3D-printed firearms:

• knowingly facilitating a terrorist activity by possessing weapons and manufacturing firearms and firearm components
• possessing weapons, 3D-printing equipment, tire-puncturing devices, instructional literature and guides on manufacturing an AR-15, manufactured firearms and firearms components, intending that they be used, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, for the purpose of facilitating or carrying out a terrorist activity

Police say Crowder is now in custody and there is no evidence of a broader network or an active risk to the public at this time.

“This case should not be seen as reflective of broader trends in our community. PEI remains one of the safest places in Canada, and this case demonstrates police readiness to respond to even the most serious threats,” reads a Wednesday news release from the RCMP.

Crowder had been under a terrorism peace bond since Aug.18, which placed him under strict conditions.

“This is one example of the measures RCMP used to ensure the community was kept safe throughout the ongoing investigation,” said the RCMP.

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