The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have apprehended a minor in Montreal over suspected terrorism-related activities. According to an RCMP news release, the individual, described as a “young man,” was allegedly planning an attack directed at a local school. The RCMP disclosed that the suspect utilized artificial intelligence in the potential orchestration of the attack and disseminated threatening messages on the platform Telegram, targeting various groups such as Muslims, Haitians, and the 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

Sgt. Érique Gasse, an RCMP spokesperson, mentioned that the FBI provided information a few weeks prior, indicating the individual’s intentions to carry out an attack. The arrest took place at the suspect’s residence on Friday morning as part of an investigation led by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, which focuses on monitoring and obstructing criminal activities of terrorist entities or individuals posing threats to Canada’s national security.

The ongoing investigation involves the suspect’s cooperation with authorities, while investigators are conducting a search of his residence for electronic devices and other potentially relevant items. The RCMP’s objective with the police operation is to disrupt the suspect’s suspected activities and secure a peace bond for monitoring and de-escalation measures. The individual is scheduled to appear in youth court on Saturday morning, with the possibility of facing charges at a later stage.