News release

Hay River RCMP arrest youth suspect, seize multiple firearms after social media threats

February 20, 2026 - Hay River, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

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A youth suspect has been arrested and a number of firearms seized after police were made aware of threatening post on social media yesterday.

On February 19th, Hay River RCMP received a report from a community member that they had observed a post on social media depicting a Hay River Youth holding a firearm, accompanied by a threatening caption relating to an upcoming school sporting event.

Through investigation, police identified the youth as a 15-year-old Hay River resident and student at Diamond Jenness Secondary School. A search warrant was obtained and executed at the youth’s residence, leading to the seizure of 5 firearms and an airgun.

The youth was arrested and later released to appear in court to answer to Uttering Threats and firearms related charges.

The investigation remains ongoing at this time.

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