A Montreal teenager accused of planning a terrorist attack on behalf of the Islamic State is facing new charges after the RCMP allege he assaulted a police officer following his arrest. The 17-year-old boy was in court Thursday morning to face three terrorism-related charges after he was arrested at his apartment in the city’s Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood at about 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. About 40 police officers showed up at the home to oversee the arrest. The national police force alleges that the teen had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and had planned to acquire AK-47-style guns with the intention of carrying out a mass casualty attack in Montreal on behalf of the terrorist group. He appeared in youth court to face charges of providing, making available property or services for terrorist purposes, participation in activity of a terrorist group, and facilitating terrorist activity. Since he is a minor, his identity cannot be published under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Federal Crown prosecutor Marc Cigana objected to his release on Thursday, and his case was adjourned to Monday, when the court is expected to set a date for a bail hearing. After the court appearance, Cigana told CTV News that if the accused is found guilty or pleads guilty, he intends to request a hearing to determine whether the youth should be subject to an adult sentence. Teen expected to face additional charges On Thursday, the RCMP confirmed to CTV News that it intends to lay new charges against the accused. Cpl. Erique Gasse, a spokesperson for the RCMP, said the teen allegedly assaulted an RCMP officer while putting handcuffs on him at headquarters in Westmount on Wednesday. Gasse did not have information about the extent of the officer’s injuries. The proposed charges are assault with a weapon causing bodily harm, and assaulting a peace officer. As of noon, the charges had not been laid.
