Halifax police have filed an additional charge against a local man who allegedly threatened to bomb the U.S. Consulate in the city’s downtown area. Ali Assakereh, 54, originally faced charges of making threats and causing public disturbance in connection with the incident that led to a lockdown in the downtown area.
Assakereh was set to appear in Halifax provincial court for a bail hearing when the new charge was brought against him. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have now accused Assakereh of making a threat against an internationally protected person. It is alleged 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 authorities to evacuate several downtown buildings, including the waterfront office complex housing the consulate.