Winnipeg man faces terrorism-related charges: Manitoba RCMP
Nevin Thunder Young was arrested on Monday following an investigation by RCMP
A Winnipeg man previously charged with spray-painting antisemitic graffiti on buildings, fences and other objects is facing terrorism-related charges, RCMP say.
The RCMP's federal policing national security enforcement section in the northwest region arrested Nevin Thunder Young, 19, on Monday after receiving a referral from Winnipeg police in February to start an investigation.
Young has been charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, participating in an activity related to a terrorist group, and two counts of commission of an offence for a terrorist group, according to an RCMP release on Tuesday.
Young, who remains in police custody at the Winnipeg Remand Centre, was scheduled to appear in the Winnipeg provincial court on Tuesday, Mounties said.
Between Sept. 28 and Dec. 31, Winnipeg police were alerted to multiple reports of antisemitic graffiti in the Charleswood area of the city, including swastikas that were spray-painted on the back of the Westdale Community Centre, which is south of Roblin Boulevard and east of the Perimeter Highway, according to a release on Jan. 14.
Young was arrested on Jan. 15 and charged with 26 counts of mischief under $5,000, police said.
RCMP declined an interview, citing the continuing investigation, and said that no further details are available at this time.
'This is a concern for all Manitobans'
The letters "M.K.Y." — which the Canadian Anti-Hate Network says are the initials of a transnational neo-Nazi organization — were also tagged around Charleswood.
Avrom Charach, a Jewish Winnipegger who took it upon himself to remove some of the graffiti, said Tuesday the new charges show the authorities are taking the problem seriously.
"It's not just the Jew-hatred and antisemitism: this is neo-Nazis who hate everyone except for themselves," he said. "I'm worried for society, and I'm happy that the government is as well."
Gustavo Zentner, vice-president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said the organization has advocated for law enforcement to use all resources available to keep the community safe amid an "unprecedented" rise in antisemitism.
"This is a concern for all Manitobans, for all Canadians," Zentner said.
"Ultimately, it is a serious societal responsibility to call things out and to actively denounce all forms of hate."
Zentner said the centre has been briefed about the case and is continuing to work with local law enforcement.
With files from Arturo Chang