Threat called in Sunday; downtown streets closed Monday morning
Halifax Regional Police say a bomb threat directed at the U.S. consulate in Purdy’s Wharf prompted an extended evacuation of parts of downtown Halifax on Monday while explosives technicians made the scene safe.
Police were first made aware of the threat at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, according to a news release. The consulate sits in the Purdy’s Wharf complex on Upper Water Street, a busy strip along the downtown waterfront.
Suspicious vehicle discovered in parkade
Officers located the suspect’s vehicle in the Purdy’s Wharf parkade at about 8:10 a.m. Monday, though the man was not at the car. Police said a propane tank and several containers believed to hold flammable liquid were visible inside the vehicle, prompting the response of the RCMP explosive disposal unit.
- Explosive disposal technicians responded and inspected the vehicle and its contents.
- Several streets, office towers and other nearby buildings were evacuated while the parkade and surrounding areas were secured.
- A suspicious bag was also located near the vehicle and examined by police.
“A propane tank and several containers believed to contain flammable liquid could be seen inside the vehicle,”
Suspect located about 10 kilometres away and taken into custody
At approximately 8:35 a.m., officers found and arrested the suspect on Thomas Raddall Drive, near the Canada Games Centre — roughly 10 kilometres west of the Purdy’s Wharf parkade. The person taken into custody is a 54-year-old man, police said; he is being interviewed as the investigation continues.
Road closures lifted after thorough searches
Thomas Raddall Drive and surrounding areas were closed for much of the day while police searched the suspect’s belongings with support from the RCMP explosive disposal unit. Authorities advised that the closures remained in place while the vehicle and the suspect’s items were examined.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 6:15 p.m. (Sunday) | Bomb threat reported to police |
| 8:10 a.m. (Monday) | Suspect’s vehicle located in Purdy’s Wharf parkade |
| 8:35 a.m. | Suspect arrested on Thomas Raddall Drive |
| 2:00 p.m. | Roads reopened; small police presence remained at parkade |
By about 2 p.m., Halifax Regional Police announced the immediate threat had subsided and that all affected roads and buildings could be reopened. They cautioned, however, that a small police presence would remain at the Purdy’s Wharf parkade as investigators continued their work.
Police have not released additional details about charges or a motive, and said more information would be shared when it becomes available. The swift multi-agency response — involving Halifax Regional Police and the RCMP explosive disposal unit — closed a swath of the downtown core at a busy time and underscored the challenge of securing waterfront office towers and public space.
For people who work and shop in the area, the closures were a visible interruption to a routine morning: sidewalks cleared, offices emptied and traffic rerouted while professionals in explosive disposal gear assessed the risk. Officials emphasised that decisions to evacuate and close roads were precautionary and aimed at keeping the public safe while investigators examined the scene.
Halifax residents and commuters who were affected were urged to follow police instructions and to expect updates as the investigation proceeds.
