A man from North Rustico, P.E.I. who was previously under a terrorism peace bond is now confronting what authorities describe as the initial terrorism allegations ever brought in Atlantic Canada. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced on Wednesday that Daniel Desmond Crowder is confronting two charges linked to 3D-printed firearms and making threats.
The charges include knowingly aiding a terrorist activity by having weapons and producing firearms and firearm components, and possessing weapons, 3D-printing equipment, tire puncturing devices, instructional literature on manufacturing an AR-15, manufactured firearms, and firearm components with the intent that they are used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of facilitating or executing a terrorist activity.
According to Cpl. Erique Gasse, media relations officer for Eastern Region RCMP, Crowder was making online threats to individuals and organizations, and using a 3D printer to produce components for illegal weapons in Canada. Following discussions with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, authorities felt comfortable pressing charges against the individual.
Crowder had been subject to a one-year terrorism peace bond since August 18, which was implemented to ensure community safety during the investigation and remains in effect. The RCMP stated that Crowder is currently in custody, and there is no indication of any ongoing risk to the public.
In addition to the recent terrorism charges, Crowder already faced multiple charges earlier this year related to manufacturing firearms, weapons possession, and uttering threats following a search warrant execution at a residence in central P.E.I. Senior Crown counsel Lee-Ann Conrod confirmed that Crowder, who had been released under the peace bond until Monday, was arrested on the new charges and has been detained since.
Crowder is awaiting a bail hearing scheduled for Thursday, with details related to the hearing subject to a publication ban to ensure the fairness of the legal proceedings. The Crown is opposed to Crowder’s release pending trial, and until the bail hearing, he will remain in custody. Crowder is set to appear in court on December 9 for arraignment on the federal terrorism charges, with provincial charges being addressed separately by P.E.I.’s Crown on the same day.
Conrod explained that initiating terrorism charges requires meticulous evidence collection and specialized approvals, emphasizing that such charges cannot proceed without the consent of the attorney general of Canada. She mentioned that the Attorney General consented to terrorism proceedings against six individuals nationwide in the 2024-25 period, highlighting that terrorism prosecutions are uncommon in Canada.
Gasse warned that despite the rarity of such cases, online threats are becoming more prevalent, suggesting a potential increase in the coming years. The RCMP urged the public to report any information regarding terrorism or suspicious activities to the National Security Information Network or local law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of reporting immediate threats by calling 911.
