Montreal Minor Allegedly Used AI to Help Plan School Attack, RCMP Says

MONTREAL — A Montreal youth arrested in connection with an alleged plan to attack a school used artificial intelligence as part of the potential planning, according to the RCMP.

The investigation was launched several weeks ago after the FBI provided intelligence to Canadian authorities, according to the RCMP.

Investigators allege the minor was planning an attack targeting a Montreal school and used AI as part of that potential planning. Police also allege threatening messages targeting various groups were posted on Telegram.

The RCMP has not publicly specified which AI platform or tool was allegedly used, what the youth asked it to do, or how significant a role AI played in the alleged planning.

National security investigation

The RCMP says Friday's operation was intended to disrupt the suspected activity and seek a peace bond under section 810.011 of the Criminal Code.

The youth was expected to appear before the Youth Division of the Montreal courthouse.

No criminal charges have been announced at this stage, and the RCMP says its investigation remains ongoing.

The youth cannot be identified due to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The case comes as Canadian law enforcement agencies increasingly focus on how emerging technologies can intersect with serious crime. In June, the RCMP and its Five Eyes partners specifically identified building capabilities to address AI-related criminal threats as a priority.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police