Man arrested before ‘Global Day of Action’ rally over alleged firearm threat

A man waves the lion and sun flag during a demonstration of Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi in Toronto, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

A 56-year-old Burlington man has been charged after police say he posted an online threat targeting a Toronto rally in support of Iran’s Lion and Sun Revolution on Saturday.

Toronto Police say they became aware on Friday, Feb. 13 of a threat made on social media ahead of the “Global Day of Action” demonstration.

• Global Day of Action draws one of Toronto’s largest protests ever

Police allege the accused made threats to cause harm to rally participants and stated intentions of attending the gathering with a firearm to prevent it from taking place.

Before the event began, members of 32 Division, Intelligence Services and the Emergency Task Force executed a Criminal Code search warrant at an address in Burlington.

As a result, 56-year-old Michael David Holland, of Burlington, was arrested and charged with uttering threats (death or bodily harm).

He was later scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Saturday.

Anyone with additional information is asked to come forward and contact police.