RCMP charge Montreal minor who allegedly wanted to carry out terrorist attack

The RCMP said it has arrested a minor in Montreal who allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and intended to carry out a “major” terrorist attack.

The accused, who cannot be identified because he is a minor, was arrested Wednesday at his home in the city’s Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood at about 1:30 p.m. after a deployment of about 40 police officers.

The 17-year-old boy did not resist arrest as he was taken into custody.

He is due to appear in youth court in Montreal on Thursday to face three criminal charges under the Criminal Code: providing, making available property or services for terrorist purposes, participation in activity of a terrorist group, and facilitating terrorist activity.

Accused wanted to acquire guns: police

Cpl. Erique Gasse of the RCMP said the force’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) began investigating the youth in April after receiving a tip.

“What we know now is that he had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. He planned to do an attack on behalf of the Islamic State and the investigation shows up to now that he was planning to get long guns [such as] AK-47s to [carry out a] mass casualty [attack],” Gasse told CTV News.

He said the accused intended to launch the alleged attack on behalf of the Islamic State against “various groups of people in Montreal,” but he did not provide specific details. The RCMP also allege that the minor posted “threatening comments on social media.”

According to the police allegations, the first charge of providing, making available property or services for terrorist purposes relates to gathering money to purchase firearms.

Of the three criminal charges laid against the accused, the first two carry maximum penalties of 10 years in prison, while the other one carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

‘Do not hesitate — call your local police’

This is the second time in recent weeks that the RCMP has laid terrorism charges against individuals in Quebec.

In July, the Mounties arrested four men with ties to the Canadian military, and charged three of them with facilitating terrorist activity. The accused, including two active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, were planning to create an anti-government militia and intended to forcibly take over land north of Quebec City.

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According to the RCMP allegations, the accused were motivated by “ideologically motivated violent extremism.”

The RCMP said countering radicalization to violence is one of the government’s top priorities and that sharing information is key to disrupting criminal activity.

“This could be the start of a major investigation. We’re here to protect people. Help us protect you,” Gasse added.

The RCMP says members of the public can report terrorism or suspicious activity to the National Security Information Network by calling 1-800-420-5805 or a local police department.