News release

PEI man charged with Hate Crimes and Firearm Offences

December 23, 2025 - RCMP Headquarters, PE, Prince Edward Island
From: Prince Edward Island RCMP

Content

The PEI RCMP received several complaints concerning numerous postings on social media by 25-year-old Matthan Runighan. A lengthy investigation revealed Runighan published postings that were antisemitic and led to the laying of hate crime charges against him.

As part of this investigation police learned that Runighan had illegally obtained a firearm. August 7, 2025, Runighan was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm. A public safety warrant was executed at his residence and police seized a 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition. He was then charged with:

• Sec. 88(1) CC - Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace
• Sec 86(2) CC – Improper storage of a firearm
• Sec 91(1)(a) CC – Possession of a firearm without a licence
• Sec 92(2) CC – possession of a non restricted firearm without a licence.

He was released on conditions and breached these conditions three times in August and September, resulting in Runighan being arrested in September and was released by the court after a remand hearing. October 10, 2025, Runighan was arrested again for breaching his conditions by posting hate online. He was remanded into custody and charged with breach of his conditions. He will appear in  Supreme Court on January 13, 2026, to answer to four breach charges and four firearm charges.

After lengthy investigation, on December 23, 2025, additional charges were laid in connection to social media postings by Runighan. With signed authority from the Attorney General the following additional hate crime charges are now before the court:

•  public promotion of hatred towards Jews contrary to subsection 319(2) of the Criminal Code

•  wilful promotion of antisemitism contrary to subsection 319(2.1) of the Criminal Code

His next court appearance to answer to the hate crimes will be January 13, 2026.

In Canada, the distinction between freedom of speech and a hate crime is based on the balance between an individual’s right to express themselves and the protection of vulnerable groups from harm. In this case based on the numerous postings made by Runighan, charges were laid with public safety in mind.

“The recent attacks in Australia clearly show the impacts of hate motivated crime. In the Runighan case, an extensive investigation was conducted that has led to what I believe are the first ever hate crime charges in PEI. Promotion of hatred is a toxic, dangerous, and hurtful crime that deeply impacts our communities. Everyone can play a part in fighting against hate by reporting it to police, or Crimestoppers,” said Chief Superintendent Kevin Lewis, Commanding Officer, PEI RCMP.

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