MONTREAL – On August 20, 2025, a minor was arrested in Montreal on terrorism-related charges connected to the Islamic State (IS), according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The arrest occurred in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Cpl. Érique Gasse stated that the youth had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, leading investigators to believe he was prepared to conduct at least one attack on behalf of the group. Gasse noted that the youth made explicit comments on social media, expressing a desire to target various groups of people.

Furthermore, Gasse indicated that the minor had allegedly intended to procure weapons, specifically AK-47s, to execute the planned attack. The RCMP began their investigation in April 2025, and it was emphasized that the public was never in danger during this period.

The minor is set to appear in youth court on Thursday, facing three counts: providing or making available property or services for terrorist purposes, participation in the activity of a terrorist group, and facilitating a terrorist activity. The inquiries were conducted by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, with nearly 40 officers involved in the operation, alongside the force's emergency response team.

Authorities have not disclosed the minor's age, and the police were on site at a four-storey apartment building on the day of the arrest to conduct further searches. According to police reports, the arrest operation proceeded without incident.

A federal Crown prosecutor has been assigned to the case, as confirmed by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

This significant arrest illustrates ongoing efforts by Canadian law enforcement to combat domestic terrorism, particularly in relation to the influence of extremist groups like the Islamic State.