A man facing charges for allegedly making a bomb threat against the U.S. Consulate in Halifax had his bail hearing postponed for the third time on Friday. The accused, Ali Assakereh, a resident of Halifax, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with uttering threats and public mischief after authorities claimed he placed a propane tank and flammable substances in his vehicle near the consulate.
During the hearing, Assakereh’s legal representative, Lonny Queripel, mentioned that the ongoing police inquiry was hindering their ability to pursue bail due to uncertainties regarding potential additional charges. The Crown’s lack of clarity on pending charges was highlighted, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding before presenting a bail proposal to the court.
The 54-year-old suspect, present at the courthouse but held in a cell during the brief session, saw the hearing adjourned by Provincial court Judge Del Atwood until August 19. Despite his client’s agreement to remain in custody, Queripel hinted at a potential change in strategy if minor charges continued to detain Assakereh beyond the following week.
Queripel acknowledged his client’s frustration with the proceedings’ pace but commended Assakereh for remaining cooperative. Conversations with Assakereh, facilitated by a Farsi-speaking interpreter due to his Iranian background, have been productive, with the accused demonstrating willingness to address the situation appropriately.
At Assakereh’s residence, his wife confirmed the family’s identity but cited language barriers for further comments. A neighbor, Dhruv Mashruwala, detailed police searches at the property, offering assistance to Assakereh’s children during the incident. Assakereh’s family has largely kept to themselves in the neighborhood, with Mashruwala mentioning previous police presence near their home without knowledge of the reasons.
The bomb threat incident prompted an evacuation of downtown buildings, including the consulate’s location, following the discovery of Assakereh’s vehicle. Subsequent investigation by explosives experts confirmed no imminent danger, leading to the lifting of evacuation orders.
Police records revealed previous charges against Assakereh in 2024, which were later dismissed in 2025. During a prior hearing, Assakereh raised concerns about racism faced by his family and alleged threats from various authorities. The incident remains under investigation, with the next hearing scheduled for a later date.