Manitoba teen accused of plotting school attacks with Nova Scotia youth denied bail

A 14-year-old boy from Rivers, Manitoba, has been denied bail as he faces serious charges related to an alleged plot to carry out simultaneous attacks at rural schools.

The youth appeared by video in Brandon court on June 30, where Judge Shauna Hewitt-Michta ordered him to remain at the Manitoba Youth Centre. He is charged with conspiracy to commit murder, counselling the commission of murder, and uttering threats.

The charges stem from an investigation initiated after Canadian police received intelligence from Interpol and the FBI. Authorities were alerted to online communications between the Manitoba teen and a 15-year-old in Nova Scotia, who were allegedly discussing their intent to attack schools in Rivers and Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

During the initial investigation, police seized the Manitoba youth's phone and other electronic devices. Firearms owned by a relative were also taken. The 15-year-old in Nova Scotia faces similar charges, including counselling another person to commit an indictable offence, conspiracy to commit murder, and uttering threats.