Latest news with #DonMacLean
Global News
27-05-2025
- Global News
Hate crimes on the rise in Halifax according to data
Vandalism, assaults and threats are on the rise in Halifax, according to police. Hate crimes were an issue first identified as a growing problem that needed addressing in 2022. Halifax Regional Police (HRP) and RCMP have been working together since then with communities that are directly impacted. The issue was discussed with Halifax's board of police commissioners on May 21. 'It was really fascinating talking to all these different communities about the various things affecting their comfort and their ability to share this information with police,' said Madeleine Goldsmith, HRP diversity officer. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Police say it's difficult getting people to report these incidents. 'The more we can encourage people to come forward and report them, I think a better situation that will actually be,' said HRP Chief Don MacLean. Story continues below advertisement Only seven hate crimes were reported in 2014 in the municipality, with the number in 2023 jumping to 121. People of colour, actual or perceived, newcomers and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are the groups most commonly targeted, according to a staff report on the police response to hate crimes and hate incidents in Halifax. MacLean says the police are focusing on training and education to address these incidents. He says it gives some context and understanding. Tony Mancini, Halifax's deputy mayor, says that more people reporting these incidents is likely part of the reason the numbers are going up. 'It's about communication, it's about bringing it front and centre,' says Mancini. 'Let's not hide about these things.' — With a file from Angela Capobianco
Global News
01-05-2025
- Global News
Teen accused of threats against Halifax school facing added weapons, hate charges
A 16-year-old boy accused of making threats against a downtown high school in Halifax is now facing added charges of illegally possessing weapons and promoting hatred against Jewish and Black people. Last week the teen was arrested and charged with illegally possessing a weapon for dangerous purposes, uttering a threat and unsafely storing ammunition. But according to new court documents the teen is now facing a total of 33 charges, including possessing a prohibited or restricted weapon, and two charges of wilfully promoting hatred against identifiable groups. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Halifax police Chief Don MacLean has said the boy was threatening Citadel High School, but police acted quickly on a tip and arrested him April 23. Investigators say the teenager made specific threats toward three people, and possessed weapons such as multiple rifles, shotguns and air guns, as well as brass knuckles and a knife. Story continues below advertisement Court documents say the teen allegedly created 'online hate groups' targeting African Nova Scotian and Jewish people over the past 12 months. The teen was to appear in youth court today but the hearing was adjourned, and he will now appear on May 12 to face the charges. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 1, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
01-05-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Teen accused of threats against Halifax school facing added weapons, hate charges
HALIFAX – A 16-year-old boy accused of making threats against a downtown high school in Halifax is now facing added charges of illegally possessing weapons and promoting hatred against Jewish and Black people. Last week the teen was arrested and charged with illegally possessing a weapon for dangerous purposes, uttering a threat and unsafely storing ammunition. But according to new court documents the teen is now facing a total of 33 charges, including possessing a prohibited or restricted weapon, and two charges of wilfully promoting hatred against identifiable groups. Halifax police Chief Don MacLean has said the boy was threatening Citadel High School, but police acted quickly on a tip and arrested him April 23. Investigators say the teenager made specific threats toward three people, and possessed weapons such as multiple rifles, shotguns and air guns, as well as brass knuckles and a knife. Court documents say the teen allegedly created 'online hate groups' targeting African Nova Scotian and Jewish people over the past 12 months. The teen was to appear in youth court today but the hearing was adjourned, and he will now appear on May 12 to face the charges. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 1, 2025.
Global News
24-04-2025
- Global News
Boy, 16, charged with making threats against Halifax high school, weapons seized
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook A 16-year-old boy is facing multiple weapons and threat charges after an early morning arrest in Halifax. Halifax Regional Police (HRP) said they made the arrest at the teen's home at 3 a.m. Wednesday, and seized 'a number' of weapons. They allege the youth had made threats to bring weapons to Citadel High School. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the school and do not believe anyone else is involved in the incident,' HRP said in a release, adding that officers are at the school today to support students and staff. According to police, the boy, whose identity is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, will appear in youth court Thursday to face the following charges: Possession of a prohibited weapon Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (2 counts) Possession of a prohibited weapon without a license Uttering threats Halifax Regional Police Chief Don MacLean will be speaking to reporters Thursday afternoon to update the investigation. Story continues below advertisement More to come
