Man charged after bomb threat made against U.S. Consulate in Halifax

On Sunday at 6:15 p.m., a bomb threat was reported against the U.S. Consulate in Halifax, prompting police to investigate the incident that led to the closure of a portion of the city's downtown area. The suspect, identified as 54-year-old Ali Assakereh, was located on Monday morning, but not in person. Police found his vehicle in the parkade of Purdy’s Wharf, which contained a propane tank and containers believed to have flammable liquid. A suspicious bag was also discovered nearby.

Following the discovery, police evacuated several streets in the downtown core to ensure the safe handling of the vehicle and its contents. Assakereh was subsequently arrested 10 kilometers away at Thomas Raddall Drive near the Canada Games Centre at approximately 8:35 a.m. and subsequently interviewed by police. By 2 p.m., the evacuation order was lifted, and the streets were reopened.

The Halifax Regional Police (HRP) confirmed that Assakereh has been charged with uttering threats and public mischief. He is set to appear at Halifax provincial court on Tuesday. HRP stated that the incident is not being considered a national security event.