Man previously charged with hate crime arrested for breaching conditions

February 6, 2026 - PEI RCMP Headquarters, Prince Edward Island
From: Prince Edward Island RCMP

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Queen’s District RCMP has arrested and charge 25‑year‑old Matthan Runighan for breaching the conditions of a release order.

On February 5, 2026, Queen’s District RCMP received information indicating that Mr. Runighan had been posting on social media in a manner contrary to a release order issued on February 2, 2026, three days previously before a judge. Officers located Mr. Runighan in Donaldston, where he was arrested without incident and held for at a remand hearing.

Background

This arrest follows an extensive series of recent investigations involving Mr. Runighan.

In 2025, the PEI RCMP received multiple complaints regarding antisemitic social media postings by Mr. Runighan. Following a lengthy investigation, charges were laid in relation to hate‑motivated offences. During that investigation, police also learned that Mr. Runighan had obtained a firearm unlawfully. On August 7, 2025, he was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm, and a public safety warrant was executed at his residence. Police seized a 12‑gauge shotgun and ammunition.

As a result, Mr. Runighan was 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

Mr. Runighan was subsequently released on conditions, which he breached multiple times in August, September, and October of 2025. On October 10, 2025, he was again arrested for posting hate content online, in violation of release conditions. He was remanded into custody and charged with additional breaches. 

After further investigation and with the required authority from the Attorney General, additional charges were laid on December 23, 2025, including:

• Public promotion of hatred toward Jews, contrary to subsection 319(2) of the Criminal Code
• Wilful promotion of antisemitism, contrary to subsection 319(2.1) of the Criminal Code

He was then released by the court on conditions on February 2, 2026, before being arrested again on February 6, 2026. Runighan was remanded back into custody and will appear in Court on February 9, 2026. All these matters remain before the courts.

“In cases involving allegations of hate‑motivated crime, public safety is always paramount,” said Chief Superintendent Kevin Lewis, Commanding Officer of the PEI RCMP. “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 Crime Stoppers.”

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