HALIFAX — A teenager is facing multiple charges after allegedly threatening to bring firearms and other weapons to a downtown Halifax high school.
Halifax police say the 16-year-old boy was arrested at 3 a.m. Thursday at his home and was held in custody overnight before appearing in youth court later in the day. He was charged with possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes, possession of a prohibited weapon, uttering threats and unsafe storage of ammunition.
During a news conference, police Chief Don MacLean commended investigators for acting swiftly on the threat to Citadel High School, which is located about 900 metres from police headquarters, and has about 1,500 students in Grades 10 to 12.
"We received credible information … and we responded immediately, and our investigation took place right away," the chief said.
"There were a number of weapons recovered … including firearms and ammunition," he said, adding he wouldn't name the other types of weapons seized or specify the type of guns involved.
The police chief told reporters the threats were directed toward the school population, rather than a specific person. He declined to say if the young person was a student at the school. "Clearly, they were very serious threats," said the chief. "We believed it to be credible."
He declined to indicate how police learned about the threats, noting the matter is now before the courts.
A police news release earlier in the day said there is no ongoing danger to Citadel High School. MacLean said police don't believe there is anyone else involved in the case.
The boy's name is under a publication ban.
A spokeswoman for the Halifax Regional Centre for Education said in an email that counsellors were at the school Thursday to provide support to students. "All potential threats are taken seriously and addressed by (the) administration in accordance with the provincial school code of conduct," said Lindsey Bunin.
"We are grateful to our police partners for their ongoing support."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 24, 2025.
Michael Tutton, The Canadian Press
