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Prince Edward Island RCMP has laid its first-ever terrorism charges in Atlantic Canada against a man accused of 3D-printing weapons for use in terrorist activities.
The “landmark terrorism case” resulted from months of investigation that uncovered a suspect alleged to be part of an extremist threat, the RCMP said in a Nov. 19 press release.
The suspect was first charged with allegedly printing 3-D firearms and making online threats to unspecified individuals and organizations in February, before being released from custody on July 23 under “strict conditions.”
Due to the nature of the online comments along with the weapons and 3D printing material seized from the suspect’s home, investigators said they had reason to believe the individual might engage in terrorism. Police said the suspect has been under a terrorism peace bond since Aug. 18 to ensure the community was “kept safe throughout the ongoing investigation.”
“The individual charged is in custody, and there is no evidence of a broader network or active risk to the public at this time. This case should not be seen as reflective of broader trends in our community,” the RCMP wrote in their Nov. 19 press release. “P.E.I. remains one of the safest places in Canada, and this case demonstrates police readiness to respond to even the most serious threats.”
Daniel Desmond Crowder, 50, of North Rustico, P.E.I., roughly half an hour north of Charlottetown, is facing a terrorism charge connected to an attempt to facilitate a terrorist activity by making and possessing weapons contrary to Canada’s Criminal Code. He is also charged with possessing 3D-printing equipment, weapons, guides for making an AR-15 rifle, and 3D-printed weapons and weapon parts intended for use in a terrorist activity.
The police added that the kind of charges laid against the suspect are rare and required a coordinated law enforcement effort.
“Thanks to a team effort involving local RCMP in P.E.I., RCMP Federal Policing Eastern Region, and Public Prosecution Service of Canada, we shared critical intelligence that helped bring about these charges,” said P.E.I. RCMP Insp. Richard Marshall, officer in charge of federal policing. “These actions, and this investigation, directly contributes to enhancing public safety for Islanders, and all Canadians.”
