Canadian police charge 4, including active military members, in alleged extremist plot

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TORONTO (Reuters) -Canadian police have charged four men, including active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, with planning to forcibly take over land in the province of Quebec.

Three of the men have been charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, accused of plotting to create an “anti-government militia,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said on Tuesday.

“To achieve this, they took part in military-style training, as well as shooting, ambush, survival and navigation exercises,” police said in a statement. “They also conducted a scouting operation. A variety of firearms, some prohibited, as well as high-capacity magazines and tactical equipment were allegedly used in these activities.”

The fourth suspect was charged with possession of firearms, prohibited devices and explosives, and possession of controlled items.

Police said they seized 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms and accessories, approximately 11,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, nearly 130 magazines, four pairs of night vision goggles and military equipment. They did not say how many of the four were members of the Canadian military.

Such militia activity has been rare but growing in Canada, which is dealing with burgeoning right-wing extremism and, since the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-government sentiment.

In the U.S., militia members were among those convicted and later pardoned for their role in the January 6 2021 riots. Anti-government militia members were also charged with plotting to kidnap the governor of Michigan. 

Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree thanked police on X for their “decisive action.”

“These are serious charges. They show that Canada is not immune to acts of ideologically motivated violent extremism.”

(Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny in Toronto; Editing by David Gregorio)