The Edmonton Police Service has charged an 18-year-old man in connection with what they said was a “threatening email” sent to a United Conservative Party staffer.
Police said they were contacted about the email on Thursday morning and that the teen was arrested because of the “specific and violent nature of the threat.”
In a news release issued on Friday night, police said Abdul Anas Habash has been charged with uttering threats.
“A search warrant was later obtained on a residence in Edmonton, where investigators were able to determine there was no risk to public safety,” police said.
Police did not say who received the email or when. They also did not divulge what the email said.
The news release issued by police suggests the threatening email is linked to a hateful and intimidating letter recently received by an Edmonton mosque, however, police did not explain how the two cases are linked.
READ MORE: Alberta Muslim group condemns racist letter received by Edmonton mosque
Watch below: (From Feb. 6, 2019) Edmonton’s hate crimes unit is investigating after a hate-filled letter was delivered to a south side mosque this week. Tom Vernon has the story.
“The EPS continues to investigate the incident that occurred on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, involving a letter received by an Edmonton mosque,” police said.
Global News has reached out to police for clarification on how the two cases are connected.
Among other things, the letter received by the Markaz Ul Islam Mosque tells Muslims they are guests in Canada and warns them not to “overstay your welcome.” The letter included the logo of the UCP and said “our Premier to be Jason Kenney is going to take Alberta back.” It also included the logo of The Clann, a local far-right group, however, the letter was not signed.
“The UCP and Jason Kenney have been clear in denouncing this hatred and bigotry,” the UCP tweeted in response to the mosque incident. “This hateful note is in no way authorized or associated with the UCP (anyone can unfortunately paste an image into a document).”
Kenney also took to social media to personally condemn the letter.
“This hatred and bigotry has no place in our Alberta,” he tweeted. “All Albertans must be free to practice their faith in peace.
“To the ignorant fool who sent this letter, you’d best look at my longstanding work in pluralistic outreach, including to Muslims.”
READ MORE: UCP clarifies its position after candidates pose for photos with the Soldiers of Odin
In their news release on Friday, police said they wanted to “stress the importance of community, tolerance and respectful dialogue” and to “remind the public that all allegations of threats, hate crimes or hate-motivated crimes reported to police will be investigated, with criminal charge(s) being a potential outcome.”
READ MORE: Hate crimes unit consulted for investigation after Edmonton mosque visited by men known to police
Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
- Man in critical condition after setting himself on fire near NYC courthouse
- ‘They knew’: Victims of sexual abuse by Ontario youth leader sue Anglican Church
- Arrest made after police issue emergency alert about ‘dangerous man’ in Bible Hill, N.S.
- Trump trial set to hear opening statements Monday as another delay denied
Comments