No bail for Halifax teen facing 33 charges related to firearms, threats

A Halifax youth court judge has made the decision to deny bail for a 16-year-old teenager facing a total of 33 charges, including firearms offences and uttering threats. The decision was handed down by Judge Alan Tufts after a day-and-a-half of hearing evidence. Due to a publication ban, the teenager’s name and all details discussed during the bail hearing cannot be disclosed.

Among the charges faced by the teenager are 12 counts of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, four counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and two counts of wilfully promoting hatred against identifiable groups. The latter charges stem from the teen’s alleged promotion of hatred against Black and Jewish people through online groups. Additionally, the teenager faces seven counts of careless use of a firearm and six counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm.

The arrest of the teenager last month came after a tip from a suicide hotline operator, who reported that the teenager had expressed intentions of carrying out a shooting at Citadel High School in Halifax and then taking his own life.

Following the announcement of the bail denial, the teenager’s family members present in the courtroom appeared visibly upset, with one family member even covering her face with her hands.

When approached for comment after the decision, defence lawyer Emma Lutz declined to provide a statement. Crown lawyer Terry Nickerson, however, stated that in the Crown’s opinion, it was not safe to release the teenager under the Criminal Code due to the serious nature of the charges.

Nickerson emphasized the severity of the charges, stating that some of them allege very serious weapons and threats violations. He commended Judge Tufts for his reasoned and detailed decision, highlighting the thorough consideration of evidence presented during the hearing.

The teenager is scheduled to appear in youth court again on Thursday morning for further proceedings.