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Halifax police charge man after bomb threat against U.S. Consulate

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People are seen leaving the Barrington Hotel in downtown Halifax after a bomb threat to the nearby U.S. Consulate.

A man has been charged in connection with a bomb threat against the U.S. Consulate in Halifax, after a propane tank and several containers believed to contain flammable materials were found inside his vehicle, which was parked nearby.

On Tuesday morning, Halifax Regional Police issued a brief statement noting that Ali Assakereh, 54, would be appearing in Provincial Court today to face charges of uttering threats and public mischief. Police added that the investigation was ongoing.

On Sunday night at 6:15 p.m., police were first made aware of a bomb threat that was received by the U.S. Consulate located in Purdy’s Wharf on Upper Water Street in the Nova Scotia capital. The Halifax police explosive disposal unit responded, and several streets in the downtown core were evacuated.

They identified the man who made the threat, and the following morning found his vehicle in the Purdy’s Wharf parkade. A propane tank and several containers believed to contain flammable materials were inside.

At 2 p.m., police confirmed that the vehicle and its contents did not pose an ongoing risk to public safety and all streets were reopened.

Meanwhile, at approximately 8:35 a.m., the man was located on Thomas Raddall Drive and taken into custody.

“Given the concern that he may be in possession of explosives, road closures were in place for much of the day on Thomas Raddall Drive and surrounding areas while his belongings were searched with the support of the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit,” police said.

National Post has reached out to the U.S. Consulate in Halifax for comment. In a statement to National Post, the U.S. Consulate General in Ottawa said it “does not comment on matters of security,” and referred all inquiries to the Halifax Regional Police, “given that this remains an ongoing investigation.”

A worldwide security alert issued July 22 by the U.S. Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.

“Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation,” it says, adding: “U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions.”

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