2nd youth arrested, additional charges laid in terror plot against Ottawa Jewish community
An Ottawa youth facing terrorism charges for an alleged plot against the Jewish community is now facing additional charges, including for conspiring to commit murder.
In addition, the RCMP has arrested a second young person, who is being considered a co-conspirator to the first.
On Dec. 16, 2023 the RCMP arrested the first youth and charged them with knowingly instructing a person to carry out terrorist activity against "Jewish persons." On Dec. 18, three additional charges were laid for knowingly facilitating a terrorist activity by being in possession of explosive substances, possession of explosive substances with intent thereby to endanger life and possession of explosive substances.
A search of their residence uncovered material that are used in creating explosive substances, RCMP say.
On Friday, Ottawa INSET laid two additional charges against the youth arrested in December for unlawfully conspiring and agreeing to commit the offence of murder and for knowingly facilitating terrorist activity by making available and exchanging instructional material and propaganda.
The Mounties say a search warrant was executed on a second youth at an Ottawa residence on Feb. 15.
The young person is being charged with conspiring to commit the offence of murder, facilitating terrorist activity by making available and exchanging instructional material and propaganda and knowingly facilitating terrorist activity by seeking to acquire a prohibited firearm.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act prevents any further release of information regarding the suspects, including their names.
Both youths will appear in Ottawa area courts on Friday.
In a news release, the RCMP says they are concerned with a growing trend of violent extremism, in particular with youth involvement.
"Online radicalization continues to be a concern, not only related to terrorism, but also in the broader area of grievance-based violence. Families, communities and police have a key role in the prevention and disengagement from violent extremism," the RCMP said.
"With youth now having more access to information than ever before, it is essential that people in positions of influence ensure that the information and activities they're participating in are safe."
Politicians, police forces and advocacy groups have been raising the alarm about a reported rise in hate crimes against Jewish and Muslim communities since Hamas's Oct. 7 deadly surprise attack in Israel, prompting that country's military offensive in Gaza.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard found not guilty of sexual assault
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
Police arrest Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides
Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'
Missing B.C. climber died from fall on Mount Baker, medical examiner says
The body of a British Columbia mountain climber has been located and recovered after the 39-year-old man was reported missing during a solo climb on Washington state's Mount Baker earlier this week.
Following child's death in Ontario, here's what you need to know about rabies and bats
An Ontario child died last month after coming into contact with a rabid bat in their bedroom, which was the first known human rabies case in Canada since 2019.
A French judge in a shocking rape case allows the public to see some of the video evidence
A French judge in the trial of dozens of men accused of raping an unconscious woman whose now former husband had repeatedly drugged her so that he and others could assault her decided on Friday to allow the public to see some of the video recordings of the alleged rapes.
Former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters sentenced to 9 years for voting data scheme
A judge ripped into a Colorado county clerk for her crimes and lies before sentencing her Thursday to nine years behind bars for a data-breach scheme spawned from the rampant false claims about voting machine fraud in the 2020 presidential race.
Youth pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of P.E.I. teen Tyson MacDonald
A teen charged with the murder of another teen on Prince Edward Island last year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.
Anne Hathaway confirms 'Princess Diaries 3': 'Miracles happen'
You might be thinking, 'Shut up!' but it’s officially true: the 'Princess Diaries' franchise is finally growing.
NDP house leader laments 'agents of chaos' in precarious Parliament
NDP House leader Peter Julian says there's more his party wants to do in Parliament before the next election, but if the current dysfunction continues it will become a factor in how they vote on a confidence measure.