OTTAWA: A 24-year-old Muslim man in Canada has been arrested and charged with multiple terrorism-related offences after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) alleged that he intended to carry out at least one attack on behalf of the Islamic State and had gathered information to build a chemical weapon capable of poisoning Canadian citizens.
Louay Angoud, a Quebec City resident, was arrested on September 23 and is facing four charges including using or possessing property for terrorist purposes, committing an offence for a terrorist group, participating in the activities of a terrorist group, and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose. The RCMP said the investigation found that the Muslim man had communicated online with members of a terrorist group and sought information related to the construction of a chemical weapon.
RCMP alleges Islamic State links and chemical weapon preparations
According to the RCMP Federal Policing Eastern Region, Angoud intended to use the chemical weapon to poison Canadians as part of an attack carried out on behalf of the Islamic State. Police said the investigation began in April after information emerged concerning his activities and online communications.
RCMP Cpl. Martina Pillarova said there were no indications that an attack was imminent when investigators began examining the case. However, she said the Muslim man possessed knowledge about how an attack could be carried out. When Angoud was arrested, police said he was carrying a knife.
The chemical weapon referenced by the RCMP is described in the allegations as a weapon that could be used to poison Canadian citizens. Police have not publicly disclosed the specific chemical substance or provided details about the exact design of the weapon. The investigation, however, centres on claims that Angoud collected information that could assist in constructing such a weapon.
Angoud appeared by video link at a Quebec City courthouse on September 24 morning from an RCMP station in Westmount. The Crown opposed his release, and the Muslim man remains in custody. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada confirmed his court appearance and detention.
Angoud’s landlord in Quebec City, Guillaume Ratte-Cote, told media that he had never heard his tenant make violent statements. He said, however, that Angoud had previously told him that he celebrated the September 11 attacks.
The RCMP said Angoud does not have legal permission to remain in Canada and had no previous criminal record. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 28, 2026, when a date for his bail hearing is expected to be determined.
