EDMONTON, Alta. – The RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s National Security teams are calling on the public to be more vigilant about violent online groups and extremist content, following several recent cases involving youth.
According to a media release issued Wednesday, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to digital environments, creating more opportunities for violent online groups to exploit and influence impressionable youths. These groups use social media platforms, apps, and online gaming platforms to spread extremist narratives.
Last year, the Northwest Region’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) in Alberta arrested a youth for uttering threats. The investigation revealed the youth, who is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, developed Roblox roleplay games where players could assume the role of a shooter and carry out a school shooting scenario. Using Discord, the youth received guidance from an online user to create these game modes. Investigators also found the youth possessed materials promoting hateful rhetoric and documentation detailing a desire to carry out a mass casualty event.
In March 2026, the youth was sentenced to a 19.5-month probation with 27 conditions and a two-year discretionary weapons prohibition.
Since May 2025, the RCMP said it has charged two Saskatchewan youths for uttering threats via online content associated with violent extremism. An Alberta youth was also charged with terrorism-related offences and is subject to a terrorism peace bond after investigators feared the youth would commit offences relating to the 764 violent online network. These cases follow a previous high-profile investigation in Alberta where INSET arrested and charged a 20-year-old and three youths with terrorism-related offences.
The RCMP noted that the Youth Criminal Justice Act prevents further release of information about these individuals, and no further comments will be made as investigations are ongoing.
INSET is encouraging parents and guardians to watch for key indicators, including youths spending more time online unsupervised, using encrypted apps like Discord or Telegram, showing interest in extreme messaging or conspiracy theories, and acquiring new online friends they appear infatuated with or scared of. Other indicators include increased antisocial behaviour and increased interest in weapons and firearms, such as creating active shooter games.
In October 2025, Public Safety Canada’s Community Resilience program announced over $36 million in funding for research and community projects focused on preventing and intervening in violent extremism. Shortly after, the Government of Canada listed 764, Maniac Murder Cult, and the Terrorgram Collective as transnational ideologically motivated violent extremist networks. Canada became the first country to list 764 as a terrorist entity.
The RCMP asks parents and guardians to report indicators of targeting or exploitation to Cybertip.ca or local police. Non-emergency tips can be reported to the RCMP National Security Information Network at 1-800-420-5805 or online. Immediate dangers should be reported to 9-1-1
