Halifax Teen Sentenced After Weapons Seizure and School Threat Scare

A 16-year-old Halifax boy has been sentenced to four months of deferred custody and 18 months of probation after pleading guilty to multiple weapons-related offences. The sentence allows him to remain in the community under strict supervision similar to a conditional adult sentence.

Police arrested the teen in the early hours of April 23 after he contacted a suicide hotline, revealing that he was depressed, suicidal, and preoccupied with school shootings. He expressed admiration for the 1999 Columbine attack and said he had previously contemplated attacking his own school.

A search of his home led officers to firearms, ammunition, racist propaganda aimed at Black and Jewish communities, a suicide note, and a list of people he wanted to kill.

While the teen initially faced 33 charges, he ultimately pleaded guilty to six counts of unauthorized firearm possession, one count of careless ammunition storage, and one count of possessing brass knuckles. Charges involving threats and hate promotion were withdrawn after an evaluation of the evidence.

The judge noted that “extreme violence was contemplated” based on the facts of the case, emphasizing the seriousness of the circumstances. She also acknowledged signs of positive progress, as the teen has kept up with his school work and completed educational courses while in custody.

The probation order restricts him from approaching Citadel High School within 50 metres, contacting specific students, accessing various social media platforms, and possessing any weapons. He is also required to share his internet browsing history with authorities.

The judge noted that although the youth had once been on a “sinister path,” continued treatment and structured supervision could offer him the chance to build a better future.