Calgary Man Arrested for Hate-Motivated Online Threats to Jewish Organizations
A 25-year-old man from Calgary, Mohamed Ghandour, has been arrested and charged with uttering threats after allegedly making online threats to two Jewish community organizations. The Calgary Police Service (CPS) revealed that they had received multiple reports of these online threats on October 29, which prompted an investigation.
According to the police, the threats were made under a fraudulent name on social media platforms. However, investigators were able to identify the owner of the account and subsequently arrested and charged Ghandour on November 7.
The CPS emphasized that they take any reported incident seriously, especially those involving hate motivation. Supt. Joe Brar assured the affected communities that their safety is of utmost importance, particularly given the impact recent international events have had on people’s sense of security within the city. Inspector Keith Hurley echoed this sentiment, stating that threats against individuals or communities, regardless of whether they are made online or in-person, will be thoroughly investigated.
Notably, the CPS makes it clear that they focus on policing behaviors rather than beliefs. They affirm that criminal behavior will not be tolerated and reiterate their commitment to working closely with community partners to uphold safety in Calgary. The police urge all Calgarians to report any threats or suspicious activities, emphasizing their dedication to holding individuals accountable for their actions.
This incident serves as a reminder that online threats can have a profound impact on people’s sense of safety. By swiftly apprehending and charging Ghandour, law enforcement authorities in Calgary have sent a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in their city.
The case against Mohamed Ghandour is set to be heard in court on December 6. In the meantime, the CPS continues to reassure all affected communities that they are working diligently to maintain a safe environment for everyone. They encourage individuals to come forward if they have any information related to threats or criminal activities, as collaboration with the community is key in preventing and addressing such incidents.
In an increasingly interconnected world, it is crucial to address hate-motivated threats and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. By standing up against such behavior, communities can come together to foster a safer and more inclusive society.
