Halifax police have pressed charges against an individual for issuing a bomb threat towards the local U.S. Consulate, leading to a significant evacuation of multiple downtown structures and roads a day earlier. The accused, 54-year-old Ali Assakereh from Halifax, made an appearance at Halifax provincial court on Tuesday to address charges of making threats and causing public mischief. His bail hearing was adjourned until the following day at the request of the Crown, and he was remanded into custody.
Authorities were notified of the bomb threat on Sunday night and subsequently discovered the suspect’s vehicle parked near the consulate the next morning. Assakereh was apprehended shortly after in the western part of the city. A spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa stated on Monday that U.S. officials would refrain from commenting on the security issue due to the ongoing police inquiry.
Upon investigation, it was determined that the vehicle contained a propane tank and containers with flammable substances, but a bomb disposal expert later confirmed that they did not pose a danger to public safety. Consequently, the evacuation orders were lifted at 2 p.m. on Monday.
During his court appearance on Tuesday via video link, Assakereh, assisted by an Arabic interpreter, mentioned his observations of racism and his departure from the Islamic faith. He expressed a desire to present evidence of these claims but lacked the necessary documentation. Additionally, he raised concerns about alleged threats faced by his family from various sources.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the interpreter conveyed Assakereh’s preference for a Farsi interpreter. The incident in Halifax occurred shortly after two suspects were charged with shooting at the U.S. consulate in Toronto in July. The shooting incidents at the Toronto consulate were described as part of a criminals-for-hire scheme by law enforcement agencies. RCMP Chief Supt. Chris Leather emphasized the need for heightened vigilance at consulates in Canada.
In a separate incident, an Iraqi national accused of plotting terror attacks in response to conflicts involving the U.S. and Israel was also linked to the March shooting at the U.S. consulate in Toronto. Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi faced charges in New York related to supporting terrorist groups and engaging in terrorism-related activities.
None of the allegations against Al-Saadi have been tried in court. Both shooting incidents at U.S. consulates in Toronto were resolved without any injuries.