**The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have arrested four men, including military personnel, in connection with a planned violent land seizure near Quebec City, revealing a worrying trend of ideologically motivated extremism in Canada.**
**Four Military Members Arrested for Planning Land Seizure in Quebec**
**Four Military Members Arrested for Planning Land Seizure in Quebec**
**Charges include terrorism as police uncover significant weapon cache**
Four men have been arrested in connection to an alleged plot to forcibly seize land near Quebec City, with authorities emphasizing that the arrests were tied to an investigation into acts of “ideologically motivated violent extremism.” The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced on Tuesday that three of the men are charged under terrorism laws, while the fourth is facing multiple firearms-related offenses.
The accused will face court proceedings on Tuesday. Among those charged are Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, and Raphaël Lagacé, 25, both from Québec City, alongside Simon Angers-Audet, 24, from Neuville, who are all cited for “facilitating a terrorist act.” Matthew Forbes, 33, from Pont-Rouge, Quebec, faces charges related to weapons and explosives.
While the police refrained from revealing specific details regarding the men’s military affiliations, they did disclose an alarming photo showing individuals engaging in military-style training exercises, posing with firearms in what was characterized as preparation for potential violent action.
The nature of the group’s ideology or the precise motivations behind their intent to seize land remain unclear. Released images depict at least seven individuals clad in Canadian military fatigues, undergoing training that included tactical maneuvers and ambush exercises.
The investigation, involving a specialized national security unit made up of several law enforcement and intelligence agencies, has reportedly been ongoing for over a year and a half. Notably, authorities seized a stockpile of weaponry during raids in January 2024, including 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms, and extensive ammunition supplies, alongside tactical gear like night vision goggles.
The Canadian Armed Forces have not yet provided information regarding the military connections of those arrested. The RCMP continues to investigate this serious breach of security, underscoring the threats posed by domestic ideological extremism.
Ian Austen, an experienced journalist covering Canadian affairs, can be reached at austen@nytimes.com.
The accused will face court proceedings on Tuesday. Among those charged are Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, and Raphaël Lagacé, 25, both from Québec City, alongside Simon Angers-Audet, 24, from Neuville, who are all cited for “facilitating a terrorist act.” Matthew Forbes, 33, from Pont-Rouge, Quebec, faces charges related to weapons and explosives.
While the police refrained from revealing specific details regarding the men’s military affiliations, they did disclose an alarming photo showing individuals engaging in military-style training exercises, posing with firearms in what was characterized as preparation for potential violent action.
The nature of the group’s ideology or the precise motivations behind their intent to seize land remain unclear. Released images depict at least seven individuals clad in Canadian military fatigues, undergoing training that included tactical maneuvers and ambush exercises.
The investigation, involving a specialized national security unit made up of several law enforcement and intelligence agencies, has reportedly been ongoing for over a year and a half. Notably, authorities seized a stockpile of weaponry during raids in January 2024, including 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms, and extensive ammunition supplies, alongside tactical gear like night vision goggles.
The Canadian Armed Forces have not yet provided information regarding the military connections of those arrested. The RCMP continues to investigate this serious breach of security, underscoring the threats posed by domestic ideological extremism.
Ian Austen, an experienced journalist covering Canadian affairs, can be reached at austen@nytimes.com.
