Nova Scotia·NewThe teenager accused of threatening a Halifax high school has pleaded guilty to more weapon-related charges, but the Crown has withdrawn other allegations such as promoting hatred against Jewish and Black Nova Scotian communities.16-year old has now pleaded guilty to 8 weapon-related charges, but Crown withdrew promoting hate chargesJosh Hoffman · CBC News · Posted: Aug 14, 2025 3:18 PM EDT | Last Updated: 1 hour agoA Halifax teen has now pleaded guilty to eight weapon-related charges connected to alleged threats he made against a local high school. (David Laughlin/CBC)The teenager accused of threatening a Halifax high school has pleaded guilty to more weapon-related offences, but the Crown has withdrawn other charges such as promoting hatred against Jewish and Black Nova Scotian communities.The 16-year-old was arrested at his home in April after police received a tip from a suicide hotline operator alleging the teen said he was going shoot up Citadel High and then take his own life.The teen appeared in Halifax youth justice court on Thursday to enter guilty pleas on seven charges, including unlawful possession of firearms, before the Crown attorney withdrew the remaining charges.”This is a young man who called for help and the situation is that it resulted in him being in custody, but we want to make sure that our rehabilitation is the main focus here,” defence lawyer Tony Amoud told reporters.The teen, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has now pleaded guilty to eight weapon-related charges after entering the first guilty plea in June.Defence lawyers Danielle O’Sullivan and Tony Amoud were happy with the results of Thursday’s hearing and said they’re focused on getting the youth the help he needs. (Josh Hoffman/CBC)He was facing 33 total charges, which mostly related to possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and unauthorized possession of a firearm. He was also accused of making threats toward specific students and promoting hatred against racialized communities in online chat groups.”Our opinion is, and clearly it appears the Crown has at least agreed, that those specific charges were not provable,” Amoud said.At the time of the youth’s arrest, Halifax Regional Police Chief Don MacLean told reporters mental health was likely a factor in the incident.”While it is natural to react to these types of events with fear, I do urge people to also react with compassion. Youth who consider violence as their last resort have been facing their own struggles and can be difficult to understand,” MacLean said.Sentencing set for next monthAmoud said the teen, who has remained in custody since his arrest, is now doing as well as possible considering the circumstances.The results of a psychological assessment are expected this month and will be taken into consideration for his sentencing, which is scheduled for next month.Amoud said the allegations against the boy made for some sensational headlines, but this is a case of someone looking for help.”Like most cases that I’ve ever worked on, there’s always more to the story. There’s always more nuance,” he said.ABOUT THE AUTHORJosh Hoffman is a reporter for CBC Nova Scotia. Josh worked as a local radio reporter all over Canada before moving to Nova Scotia in 2018.
Halifax high school student pleads guilty to more weapon offences, hate charges withdrawn
