“Man Faces Federal Charge for Bomb Threat at U.S. Consulate”

A new federal charge has been brought against a Halifax man accused of making bomb threats against the U.S. Consulate in the city’s downtown area. Ali Assakereh, aged 54, initially faced charges from Halifax Regional Police for uttering threats and public mischief in connection to last week’s incident that led to a significant lockdown downtown. While he was set to appear for a bail hearing in Halifax provincial court, a fresh charge was added, accusing him of making threats against an internationally protected person, as stated by an RCMP news release. Allegations suggest that Assakereh placed a propane tank and flammable liquids in his vehicle, which he then parked near the consulate. The discovery of the vehicle on August 10 prompted the immediate evacuation of several downtown buildings, including the waterfront office complex housing the consulate.