A man from North Rustico, P.E.I., who was previously under a terrorism peace bond, is now confronting what law enforcement authorities describe as the first-ever terrorism charges in Atlantic Canada. Daniel Desmond Crowder is being accused of two offenses related to 3D-printed firearms and making threats, as announced by the RCMP in a press release on Wednesday.
The charges entail knowingly aiding a terrorist activity by possessing weapons and producing firearms and firearm components. Crowder is also accused of having weapons, 3D-printing equipment, tire-puncturing devices, instructional materials, guides on manufacturing an AR-15, manufactured firearms, and firearm components with the intention of using them for terrorist activities.
According to Cpl. Erique Gasse, a media relations officer for Eastern Region RCMP, Crowder was found to be making online threats to individuals and organizations. Additionally, he was using a 3D printer to create illegal firearm components in Canada. These findings led to the decision to press charges against him in consultation with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.
Crowder had been placed under a one-year terrorism peace bond starting on August 18, which was a seldom-used measure in Atlantic Canada to ensure community safety during the investigation and remains active. Police have affirmed that Crowder is in custody, and there is no current threat to the public.
Moreover, Crowder is facing additional charges from earlier in the year related to manufacturing firearms using a 3D printer, possessing weapons, and making threats following a search warrant execution at a residence in central P.E.I. He had been out on release under the peace bond until his recent arrest on the new terrorism charges.
The Crown counsel, Lee-Ann Conrod, highlighted that there is a publication ban regarding details of the upcoming bail hearing for Crowder, with the Crown opposing his release pending trial. Crowder is set to appear in court for a bail hearing, and he will return for arraignment on federal terrorism charges on December 9, along with provincial charges.
Conrod mentioned that the process of laying terrorism charges involves extensive evidence gathering and specialized approvals, requiring the consent of the attorney general of Canada, which has now been obtained. She noted that terrorism prosecutions are uncommon in Canada, with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada reporting a limited number of such cases nationally.
While cases like these are infrequent, RCMP emphasized the rising prevalence of online threats and urged the public to report any terrorism-related information or suspicious activities to appropriate authorities. They advised contacting the National Security Information Network, using the RCMP portal, or reaching out to local law enforcement. In case of an immediate threat, individuals are urged to call 911.