Man accused of U.S. Consulate bomb threat in Halifax hit with new charge

A 54-year-old man, Ali Assakereh, arrested for a bomb threat against the U.S. Consulate in Halifax is facing an additional charge, according to federal Crown attorney Lee-Ann Conrod and provincial prosecutor Brennan McDonald. Assakereh, already charged with uttering threats and public mischief, now stands accused of threatening an internationally protected person, as stipulated under section 424 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

The incident occurred on August 9, when police were alerted to a threat against the consulate in Purdy’s Wharf. The suspect vehicle, containing a propane tank and flammable liquids, was discovered on August 10, leading to a citywide evacuation. Assakereh, who has been in custody since his arrest, has been unable to secure bail due to the complex nature of the ongoing investigation, according to his legal aid lawyer, Lonny Queripel.

Assakereh's family, originally from Iran, moved to Halifax two years ago and expressed shock over the allegations, stating they were unable to access their home for approximately 12 hours during the police search.