Vancouver Island youth charged after U.S. school shooting threats

An RCMP epaulette is seen in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

A Vancouver Island minor has been arrested and charged with conveying threats to carry out a school shooting in the United States, according to authorities.

Cpl. Alex Bérubé of the Vancouver Island district RCMP says the investigation began in the U.S. on July 19, 2025, when police in Kentucky were alerted to a 15-year-old in their area who allegedly threatened a local school on the messaging platform Discord.

“Through their investigation, it was determined that this youth was in regular communication from someone from Canada,” Bérubé said in a statement Monday.

Authorities identified the Canadian as a student at Edward Milne Community School in Sooke, B.C.

The matter was referred to the Vancouver Island RCMP’s General Investigation Section on March 13, prompting a criminal investigation.

The B.C Prosecution Service reviewed the evidence against the youth suspect, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and approved one charge of conveying threats, the statement said.

Police arrested the suspect without incident on March 28. Investigators also executed a search warrant at a Sooke residence, seizing electronic devices, according to the statement.

The accused remains in custody and is awaiting a bail hearing as the investigation continues.

Bérubé said the case highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing online threats.

“The RCMP is committed to working with international partners with the common goal of safeguarding public safety and holding those who seek to instill fear in their communities accountable,” Bérubé said.