A bail hearing for an individual accused of issuing a bomb threat against the U.S. Consulate in Halifax was postponed for the third time on Friday as the defendant’s attorney sought more information about the prosecution’s case. The accused, Ali Assakereh, a resident of Halifax, faced charges of uttering threats and public mischief following allegations that he placed a propane tank and flammable substances in his vehicle and parked it close to the consulate. The defendant, represented by legal aid lawyer Lonny Queripel, expressed challenges in preparing a bail plan due to the ongoing police investigation and lack of clarity regarding potential additional charges. The Crown’s ambiguity on pending charges made it difficult to determine an appropriate bail strategy.
The 54-year-old suspect, present at the provincial courthouse in Halifax, remained in custody during the short court session. Judge Del Atwood granted Queripel’s request for an adjournment until August 19, following the defendant’s consent to remain in custody. Queripel hinted at reconsidering his approach if the defendant continues to be detained on minor charges past the upcoming week.
Despite expressing frustration at the pace of the legal proceedings, Assakereh seemed to be handling the situation well, as noted by his lawyer. The defendant’s wife confirmed their relationship from their residence, where police conducted a 12-hour search on Monday. Assakereh’s teenage son was seen wandering the neighborhood during the search, prompting a concerned neighbor to offer assistance due to the scorching heat.
The defendant had faced assault charges in 2024, which were later dismissed in 2025. During the bail hearing, Assakereh, aided by an Arabic interpreter, mentioned experiencing racism and threats from various authorities. Police received a bomb threat report from the consulate on Sunday evening, leading to the evacuation of nearby buildings the following morning after Assakereh’s vehicle was discovered in the area. The evacuation was lifted later in the day after determining the lack of threat posed by the tank and liquids found in the vehicle.
Neighbors recalled police presence near Assakereh’s residence in the past, though the reasons for such visits were unknown. The defendant’s family was described as quiet and non-disruptive by residents familiar with them. Assakereh’s concerns about racism and threats, coupled with the ongoing legal process, have added complexity to the case, delaying the bail hearing further.