(Ottawa) The RCMP says it is observing “a worrying trend towards violent extremism and the use of the internet for terrorist purposes, particularly among young people.”
At least one Jewish group is warning its members to exercise caution following the arrest of two teenagers for terrorism-related offenses in the past five days.
RCMP report arresting five youths for terrorism-related offenses since June.
A “young person” was arrested and then charged in Ottawa for terrorism-related offenses, federal police announced Saturday. This person would have targeted, directly or indirectly, Jewish people.
A 16-year-old person was arrested on December 13 in Calgary. He was the third teenager and the fourth person arrested in connection with offenses involving the use of social networks such as TikTok and threats against the Jewish and LGBTQ communities.
The RCMP is asking parents and anyone in a position of authority to remain vigilant for any signs of radicalization, including increasingly exclusive association with new social groups that support or promote violence.
The Jewish Federation of Ottawa is asking its members to exercise renewed caution, follow security protocols and report any suspicious behavior to the police.