Halifax Man Faces New Charge in U.S. Consulate Bomb Threat

A man from Halifax accused of making a bomb threat against the U.S. Consulate in the city has been hit with an additional federal charge. Ali Assakereh, 54, was initially arrested by Halifax Regional Police for uttering threats and causing public mischief in connection with last week’s incident that led to a lockdown in the downtown area. He was set to attend a bail hearing at Halifax provincial court on Wednesday when the new charge was filed against him. According to a statement from the RCMP, Assakereh now faces a charge of making threats against an internationally protected person. Authorities allege that Assakereh placed a propane tank and flammable liquids in his vehicle and parked it close to the consulate. The discovery of the vehicle on August 10 prompted the evacuation of several downtown buildings, including the waterfront office complex housing the consulate.