Man accused of targeting Jews online prohibited from “accessing or in any way using the internet.”Published Jun 09, 2025 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 2 minute readLuke Alexander MacDonnell, 22, of New Glasgow is accused of posting hateful messages online targeting Jews. He faces charges of advocating and promoting genocide, publicly inciting hatred and wilfully promoting hatred. Photo by FacebookA young man from New Glasgow accused of posting hateful messages online was granted bail Monday after spending three nights in custody.Luke Alexander MacDonnell, 22, was arrested Friday afternoon after New Glasgow Regional Police received a complaint that morning from B’nai Brith Canada that hate-related material targeting Jews had been posted from a residence in the town.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentMacDonnell was remanded for the weekend after being arraigned before a justice of the peace on three criminal charges: advocating and promoting genocide, publicly inciting hatred and wilfully promoting hatred.He appeared in Pictou provincial court Monday for a bail hearing.Judge Bryna Hatt released MacDonnell on a $12,500 bail order with two sureties and conditions worked out by the Crown and defence lawyers.The judge ordered MacDonnell to live with his sureties in Pictou Landing and observe a 10 p.m.-7 a.m. curfew. He can only leave the home during the curfew hours to deal with medical emergencies or appointments or when in the “immediate and continuous presence” of at least one of his sureties.MacDonnell must remain in Nova Scotia, surrender his passport to police and check in with police by phone every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.Article contentHe is prohibited from possessing any weapons and from “accessing or in any way using the internet.” The order goes on to say he cannot be on social media, engage in texting or have any electronic devices capable of connecting to the internet.The only exception to the ban on electronic devices is when MacDonnell is participating in Zoom or Teams meetings with legal counsel or for medical appointments, as long as those sessions are arranged and supervised by at least one of his sureties.“You must have a copy of this release order in your possession … whenever you are outside your home,” the document says.MacDonnell’s charges will be back in court July 14 for election and plea.“The New Glasgow Regional Police are committed to thoroughly investigating hate-motivated crimes and unequivocally condemn these reprehensible acts,” police said in a news release Saturday.B’nai Brith Canada, in a Facebook post Monday, said it contacted police immediately after seeing “disturbing online threats targeting Jews.”“This outcome underscores the importance of prompt, co-ordinated action in the face of rising antisemitism,” B’nai Brith said in the post.“As hate escalates across the country, B’nai Brith Canada continues to lead from the front – identifying threats, engaging authorities and ensuring that real consequences follow.”Article content
New Glasgow man, 22, gets bail on hate-crime charges
