Halifax Bomb Threat Suspect Faces Terrorism Charge, Potential Life Sentence

A 54-year-old man arrested following a bomb threat against the U.S. Consulate in Halifax could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment after being charged under Canada's Criminal Code with threatening an internationally protected person. This charge is defined as a terrorism offense.

Ali Assakereh is also facing charges of uttering threats and public mischief related to the Aug. 9 incident. Federal Crown prosecutor Lee-Ann Conrod informed the court that while the maximum penalty for the terrorism-related charge is life imprisonment, the Crown does not intend to seek such a sentence. The bail decision hearing for Assakereh was adjourned until Friday.

The incident began when Halifax police were alerted to a threat against the consulate. The following day, police identified a suspect and located his vehicle in a nearby parking garage. The vehicle reportedly contained a propane tank and containers of flammable liquid, prompting a shutdown of the surrounding area and the response of a bomb disposal unit.

Assakereh was apprehended about 10 kilometers away from his vehicle shortly after it was found. He was arrested and subsequently charged. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada has now taken over the file, as the provincial Crown delegated their charges to the federal Crown. The Crown remains opposed to Assakereh's bail.

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It’s defined as a terrorism offence under Section 2 of the Criminal Code. So, because of that, the Crown can give this notice. So it’s an increased maximum penalty.