A man from North Rustico, P.E.I., who was already under a terrorism peace bond, is now confronted with what police describe as the first-ever terrorism charges in Atlantic Canada.
Daniel Desmond Crowder is accused of two charges related to 3D-printed firearms and making threats, as announced by the RCMP in a press release on Wednesday.
The charges encompass:
- Knowingly aiding a terrorist activity by possessing weapons and producing firearms and firearm parts.
- Being in possession of weapons, 3D-printing equipment, materials for tire puncturing, instructional materials on manufacturing an AR-15, manufactured firearms and firearm parts, with the intention that they be used for facilitating or carrying out a terrorist activity.
Cpl. Erique Gasse, the media relations officer for Eastern Region RCMP, stated to CBC News, “Mr. Crowder was making online threats to individuals and organizations, while using a 3D printer to create components for illegal weapons in Canada.”
Crowder had been placed under a year-long terrorism peace bond effective August 18, a measure seldom seen in Atlantic Canada, to ensure community safety during the investigation, which remains ongoing.
The RCMP confirmed that Crowder is in custody, and there is no current threat to public safety.
“This incident does not represent broader trends in our community,” as stated in the RCMP release, emphasizing that P.E.I. remains a safe place in Canada and highlighting the readiness of the police to address serious threats.
Additional Charges in Progress
In addition to the two terrorism charges, Crowder faces several charges laid earlier this year related to firearm manufacturing, possession, and threats, discovered during a search of a residence in central P.E.I.
Lee-Ann Conrod, senior Crown counsel, confirmed that Crowder was under the peace bond until his recent arrest on new charges, leading to his current custody status.
Crowder is set to appear in court for a bail hearing on Thursday, with a publication ban in place on details related to the hearing.
He will remain in custody until the bail hearing, and he is scheduled to face arraignment on federal terrorism charges on December 9, alongside his provincial charges.
Conrod explained that laying terrorism charges involves extensive evidence gathering and specialized approvals, requiring the consent of the attorney general of Canada.
Uncommon Terrorism Prosecutions in Canada
According to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada’s annual report, the Attorney General of Canada approved terrorism proceedings against six individuals nationwide in the 2024-25 period, indicating a rare occurrence.
The PPSC currently has 22 national security cases before the courts, including 16 related to terrorism, highlighting the infrequency of such prosecutions in Canada.
While these cases are unusual, Cpl. Gasse noted the increasing prevalence of online threats, suggesting a potential rise in similar incidents in the future.
The RCMP urges the public to report any terrorism-related information or suspicious activities to the National Security Information Network