Halifax police have pressed charges against an individual for issuing a bomb threat directed at the local U.S. Consulate, leading to the evacuation of several downtown buildings and streets for five hours. Ali Assakereh, a 54-year-old resident of Halifax, made an appearance in Halifax provincial court on Tuesday to face charges of uttering threats and public mischief. His bail hearing was postponed to the following day at the request of the Crown, and he was remanded into custody.
Authorities were informed about the bomb threat on Sunday evening, and the suspect’s vehicle was discovered parked near the consulate the next morning. Assakereh was apprehended shortly afterward in the west end of the city. A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa declined to comment on the security issue, citing the ongoing police inquiry.
Upon inspection, it was found that the vehicle contained a propane tank and containers allegedly filled with flammable substances. However, after assessment by an explosives specialist, it was determined that they did not pose a risk to public safety, and the evacuation orders were lifted on Monday at 2 p.m.
During his court appearance on Tuesday, Assakereh participated via video link with the assistance of an Arabic interpreter. He expressed a desire to present evidence highlighting instances of racism he had encountered. Additionally, he mentioned renouncing the Islamic religion, stating that in an Islamic state, he would face a death sentence.
At the end of the hearing, the interpreter conveyed Assakereh’s preference for a Farsi interpreter, as Farsi, also known as Persian, is predominantly spoken in Iran. This incident in Halifax occurred shortly after two individuals were charged with shooting at the U.S. consulate in Toronto in July, marking the second attack on the building this year.
Law enforcement officials described the Toronto incidents as part of a criminal-for-hire operation, with a 19-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy facing numerous charges. The RCMP emphasized the need for heightened vigilance at consulates in Canada following the previous shooting incidents earlier in the year.
In a separate case, an Iraqi national accused of plotting terror attacks in the U.S. and Canada was charged with supporting Iran-backed terrorist groups. The individual, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, faced charges related to terrorism activities, though none of the allegations against him have been proven in court.
This sequence of events underscores the ongoing security concerns surrounding diplomatic missions and the importance of maintaining vigilance in the face of potential threats.