Burlington Man Expresses Regret Over Threats to Women

WARNING: This story contains details about threats of physical and sexual violence against women and minors.

A man from Burlington, Ont., who admitted to making threats against two women said he feels “remorseful” for his actions, which included discussing violent intentions online.

De Andre Anderson, 25, was back in court this week for the next part of his sentencing hearing. He was arrested in April 2024 and faced charges for threatening two women “in support of the incel ideology,” as stated by the RCMP.

These charges came after a joint investigation involving the Halton Regional Police Service and the FBI, which police indicated might qualify as terrorist activity under the law.

He entered a guilty plea in November. The Crown presented its recommendations for sentencing at the end of August, asking for a five-year sentence. The defense had its chance on Tuesday.

“I regret everything that I said on the incel forum,” Anderson told the Milton Ontario Court of Justice.

“I don’t know what I was thinking.”

According to a shared statement of facts from both sides, Anderson used the username Mr Ugly420 to publicly post on an incel website between December 2022 and April 2024.

Incel stands for “involuntary celibate,” referring to a misogynistic subculture that often expresses frustration and blames women for their lack of romantic or sexual relationships. CBC Hamilton has not disclosed the name of the incel website where Anderson posted.

He mentioned wanting to shoot a former high school classmate in retaliation for her past rejection, according to comments made by the Crown prosecutor during an earlier court appearance. He also shared her picture online.

After his arrest, authorities discovered a plan Anderson had made outlining intentions to kill his dentist and “a plan to stab/attack women randomly.”

The identities of those involved are protected due to a publication ban.

The Crown claimed that both charges represent terrorist activities under Canadian law.

History of Admiring Mass Killers

Anderson was denied bail last summer due to concerns he might act on his fantasies and harm vulnerable individuals in society. Specifically, he targeted both his classmate and dentist with threats.

According to their agreed statement of facts , he indicated online that he would like to run over a woman , claiming he would kill one and engage sexually with her body.Anderson also posted admiration for mass murderers such as Payton Gendron , who killed ten Black individuals in Buffalo , N. Y., and Elliot Rodger , who took six lives at colleges in southern California.Investigators found search history revealing admiration for Alek Minassian , responsible for killing ten people using a van on Toronto’s sidewalk , along with Nathaniel Veltman , who murdered four members of a Muslim family in London , Ont., during a hate-driven attack.Additionally , Anderson expressed wishes about running people over with vehicles , traveling into the U. S. to obtain firearms for mass violence events, and assaulting minors.Authorities discovered knives along with mattress stab marks in possession as well as notes where Anderson directed himself on practicing stabbing techniques.In December 2023 , based on shared facts , Halton regional police investigated him after discovering posts expressing desire to kill women or “shoot up” local malls or nightclubs. Although no criminal charges were filed then, he did undergo mental health evaluation.

Prosecutors Requesting Five-Year SentenceOn Tuesday’s court appearance , Anderson revealed he’s struggled with mental health issues since adolescence – dealing with anxiety disorders alongside depression; suicidal thoughts; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) worsened by heavy drinking habits.He mentioned being open about taking medications regularly while seeking therapy.“Every day I just wake up feeling regret over my words/actions towards victims,” said Anderson. “I realize I need help.”<pparseronsiderationofthetimehehasalreadyspentinprisonfor3years.
. anderson’sdefenseattorneyaskedthejudgeon Tuesdaytothinkaboutareducedsentencebasedontimeheservedsofar. hisdefensewaspleadingthathebecreditedwiththreeyearsofincustodyduringhistrial. forensicreportbypeterphilipsrevealedthatandersonstruggleswithlowself-esteemwhichcomplicatesinteractionwithwomenandsaidheexpressedinterestinsocialrelationswithminors. klaassenwasunabletoarriveatadefinitediagnosisbutconcludedbyclaimingthatandersonposesathreattosocietysafety. prosecutor sabina burdo outlinedvariousreasonstojustifytherequestforafive-yeartermhighlightinghisyoungage, hisadmissionofguilt, andlackofpreviouscriminalrecords. andersonacknowledgedbothchargesagainstthevictimcountasterrorismoffencesaccordingtocanadianlaw.

If you’re affected by this news report, you can look for mental health support through resources in your province or territory.

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