15-year-old arrested after making hate motivated threats toward local religious institution

On Friday September 12, 2025, the Kingston Police were notified of threatening remarks that had been made over an instant messaging platform. Due to the nature of these remarks, it triggered a notification to the RCMP, the Ontario Provincial Police, and ultimately the Kingston Police, as the target of this threat included a specific religious institution located in Kingston. 

The investigation led Kingston Police Detectives to the City of Hamilton, where on Tuesday September 16, 2025, a 15-year-old individual of Hamilton responsible for making these threats was arrested without incident by the Hamilton Police Service. 

The accused young offender was subsequently transported back to Kingston and attended a bail hearing on Wednesday September 17, 2025, where they were remanded into custody. A search warrant has been conducted at the accused’s residence with assistance from the Waterloo Regional Police. 

The young offender is currently charged with one count of uttering a threat (hate motivated) toward the religious institution in Kingston. This religious institution has been kept apprised of the police investigation and any affected individuals, including the institution’s congregation have been made aware of the incident. 

The youth is further charged with one count of uttering a threat toward a secondary school in Hamilton. The Hamilton-Wentworth School Board has also been made aware of this incident and are addressing the matter.

At this time police would like to advise there is no further threat to either of these communities and that no other arrests are anticipated.

The Kingston Police would like to thank the Hamilton Police Service, the Waterloo Regional Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the RCMP for their assistance in this matter.

The Kingston Police take threats toward any religious group very seriously. Such actions are not only unlawful but contrary to the values of respect, diversity, and tolerance that our community upholds. We stand for the safety and dignity of all individuals, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or belief.

If you witness any suspicious behavior or have any concerns, please report them immediately to local authorities or your trusted community leaders. Vigilance and unity are our greatest strengths, and together we can ensure that our communities remain safe and welcoming for all.