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
'Most of the city is evacuating': Gridlock on Alberta highway after evacuation order in Fort McMurray
Four Fort McMurray neighbourhoods were ordered to evacuate on Tuesday as a wildfire gets closer to the city.
'Inappropriate' behaviour shuts down Dublin to New York City portal
Less than a week after two public sculptures featuring a livestream between Dublin, Ireland, and New York City debuted, 'inappropriate behaviour' in real-time interactions between people in the two cities has prompted a temporary shutdown.
Maximum payout for LifeLabs class-action drops from $150 estimate to $7.86
Canadian LifeLabs customers who filed an application for a class-action settlement began receiving their payments this week, though at a much lower amount than initially expected.
Sask. police seize 1.5M pieces of evidence, lay 60 more charges in child exploitation case
Saskatchewan RCMP have revealed that a historic sexual assault investigation has led to the discovery of alleged crimes against children dating back to 2005.
About 1,000 wildfires confirmed so far this year: Here's a quick look at the situation in Canada
Nearly 1,000 wildfires have burned across Canada so far this year. Here's an overview of the situation in Canada.
King Charles III unveils his first official portrait since his coronation
King Charles III has unveiled the first portrait of the monarch completed since he assumed the throne, a vivid image that depicts him in the bright red uniform of the Welsh Guards against a background of similar hues.
Full List Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
American sought after 'So I raped you' Facebook message detained in France on 2021 warrant
An American accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013 and later sending her a Facebook message that said, 'So I raped you,' has been detained in France after a three-year search.
Tavares scores in OT, rescues Canada from potential upset in 7-6 win over Austria
Captain John Tavares scored 15 seconds into overtime and saved his teammates some embarrassment as Canada held on for a 6-5 win over Austria on Tuesday at the world hockey championship.