News release
RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region calls for increased public vigilance of violent online groups
June 10, 2026
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Edmonton, Alberta
From: Federal Policing Northwest Region
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The RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s (NWR) National Security teams are committed to raising awareness about the prevalence of violent online groups and the sharing of content associated to violent extremism.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift from traditional spaces to digital environments after the pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technology. While technology has aided youths in maintaining peer connection and academic studies, it has also created more opportunities for violent online groups to exploit and influence impressionable youths to amplify the speed and reach of extremist narratives and false messages – which are often facilitated through social media platforms, applications (apps), and online gaming platforms.
“Gone are the days when risk existed only in one physical location or solely in the ‘real world.’ Today, the threat extends just as dangerously into cyberspace, where online activity can rapidly spill into real-world harm. These groups cast a wide net across both environments, and anyone can become a target. That reality led us to a concerning investigation where activity in the online space crossed a critical line into credible threats and tangible harm, prompting law enforcement to act.”
- Supt. Matt Johnson, Officer in Charge of NWR National Security
When digital becomes physical
Last year, the NWR’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) in Alberta arrested a youth for uttering threats after an investigation revealed alarming behaviour linked to ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE).
The investigation revealed the youth, who is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), developed Roblox roleplay games where players could assume the role of a shooter and carry out a school shooting scenario. Using Discord, a popular communications app where servers contain text channels for online conversation, the youth received guidance from an online user to create these game modes. The investigation also revealed the youth was in possession of materials promoting hateful rhetoric and documentation detailing a desire to carry out a mass casualty event.
In March 2026, the youth was sentenced to a 19.5-month probation with 27 conditions and a two-year discretionary weapons prohibition ancillary order under section 110 of the Criminal Code pursuant to section 51(3) of the YCJA.
This investigation reflects a broader pattern of concerning behaviour seen across the country. Since May 2025, the NWR charged two Saskatchewan youths for uttering threats via online content associated with violent extremism. An Alberta youth was also charged for terrorism-related offences and is subject to a terrorism peace bond after investigators feared the youth would commit offences relating to the 764 violent online network. These investigations follow on the heels of another high-profile investigation in Alberta where INSET arrested and charged a 20-year-old and three youths for terrorism-related offences.
The YCJA prevents any further release of information regarding these individuals. As the criminal investigation is ongoing and before the courts, the RCMP will not be making any further comments at this time.
What to look out for
Along with the growing challenge of implementing mitigation strategies for various digital devices, parents and guardians are also navigating conversations with youth about autonomy and independence. While it may feel challenging, INSET encourages open conversations with youths to help identify any unusual behaviours which may indicate they are being targeted by violent online groups – as honest dialogue can be a powerful tool in reducing feelings of shame and stigma. Public safety is a top priority, and it is important that youths who may be affected understand they are not at fault and that supports are available to help them.
Some key indicators to look for include, but are not limited to:
- They are spending more time on the internet, unsupervised or alone in their room;
- They are on mobile apps like Discord, Telegram or other encrypted communications platforms for which you have no visibility as a parent;
- They are demonstrating an interest or affinity to extreme messaging online, including conspiracy theories, anti-government rhetoric, or sympathy/support towards extreme messaging or online propaganda; and,
- They have a new online “friend” or network they seem infatuated with and/or scared of.
INSET also encourages parents and guardians to look for indicators such as increased antisocial behaviour (i.e., difficulty interacting with peers, teachers, and principals), as well as increased interest in weapons and firearms (e.g., participating in shooting, making gun cutouts, researching firearms, and creating active shooting games).
These indicators alone may not appear to be significant, but when considering them in clusters or with the totality of circumstances, they could have more meaning and reason for concern.
Parents and guardians can view a more exhaustive list of warning signs, as well as information on predatory tactics, on the RCMP’s website.
Taking a stand against violent online groups
Combatting the risks posted by violent, extremist online groups is a shared responsibility between law enforcement, communities, families, and schools; it requires a whole of society approach. Each plays a critical role in the multidimensional response required for prevention, awareness, and early intervention.
In October 2025, the Public Safety Canada’s Community Resilience announced over $36 million will be invested into programs supporting research and community-based projects for the prevention and intervention of violent extremism. Shortly after the announcement, the Government of Canada listed 764, Maniac Murder Cult, and the Terrorgram Collective as transnational IMVE networks – which use social media and gaming platforms to recruit and radicalize individuals, share hateful rhetoric, and incite violence.
The announcement marked a historic moment as Canada became the first country to list 764 as a terrorist entity, furthering its commitment to protect all Canadians from terrorism and violent extremism.
“As both a police officer and a parent, I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to learn from the programs available in your community, stay engaged in your children’s lives, and trust your instincts by reporting anything that doesn’t feel right. Early conversations and timely reports can make all the difference in protecting our children and communities.”
- Supt. Matt Johnson, Office in Charge of NWR National Security
The RCMP asks parents, guardians and adults in positions of authority to keep an eye out for indicators that a child or youth is being targeted or exploited and report the information to Cybertip.ca or your local police. Non-emergency tips can be reported to the RCMP National Security Information Network by phone at 1-800-420-5805 or online at http://www.rcmp.ca/report-it. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
Your report could be the missing piece to preventing more harm.
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Associated links
- Government of Canada announces more than $36 million for projects to help counter violent extremism | Public Safety Canada
- Government of Canada lists four new terrorist entities | Public Safety Canada
- Violent online groups exploiting children and youth | RCMP
- RCMP reminds Canadians about violent online groups targeting youth | RCMP
- Five-Eyes Insights – Young people and violent extremism: a call for collective action | RCMP
- Protecting National Security in Partnership with all Canadians | Canadian Security Intelligence Service
- Online Child Sexual Exploitation (Public Safety Canada)
- Organization for the Prevention of Violence (OPV)
- Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence (Canada Centre)
- Canada Centre for Child Protection
Contacts
RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region
fp.nwr_media-pf.rno_medias@rcmp-grc.gc.ca