The RCMP has launched an investigation following the distribution of threatening emails to numerous Jewish institutions across Canada early Wednesday morning. The emails, containing explicit death threats and references to explosives, were sent to around 125 organizations, predominantly synagogues and other Jewish community centers, according to RCMP Sgt. Charles Poirier.
The emails were received at 5:11 a.m., triggering an immediate response from authorities. Police across the country, including in Montreal, were dispatched to inspect several sites for any suspicious packages or activities. No explosives have been found so far.
The threats closely resemble another series of emails reported in India the same day, where over 100 hospitals, businesses, and government offices in New Delhi received similar messages. Canadian investigators are collaborating with international partners to trace the origin of the emails and identify any suspects.
In Montreal, a significant number of the targeted institutions are located, with the first call to police coming in at 7:10 a.m. from a synagogue in Hampstead. Montreal police spokesperson Const. Sabrina Gauthier confirmed that officers responded to each location, thoroughly inspecting the premises for potential threats. No explosives were found.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the threats in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I’m disgusted at reports that more than 100 Jewish institutions across Canada were targeted by threats today. This is blatant antisemitism.”
The RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team in Montreal is leading the investigation, working closely with international agencies to determine if similar threats have been made elsewhere. Meanwhile, law enforcement remains vigilant at Jewish institutions across the country as the investigation continues.