WARNING: This story contains descriptions of violent language and imagery.
An individual running for mayor in Ottawa has been charged with making death threats against Ontario Premier Doug Ford and current Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
Geoffrey Nicholas Griplas, 48, was charged on Sept. 15 with two counts of criminal harassment and two counts of uttering death threats related to social media posts made between Sept. 6 and Sept. 13.
has received court documents outlining the charges, naming Ford and Sutcliffe-who is seeking re-election-as the intended targets of the alleged threats.
The documents indicate that the incidents occurred in Kingston, Ont., and could reasonably lead Ford and Sutcliffe to feel their safety was at risk.
Source link
Arrested in Ottawa
<p Regarding this case, Kingston Police stated they became aware on Sept. 13 of "concerning behaviour and comments" from a person who had been transiently living between Ontario and Quebec. An emailed statement from spokesperson Cst. Anthony Colangeli mentioned that investigators concluded the online remarks conveyed violence toward both Ford and Sutcliffe, which prompted them to charge Griplas. He was taken into custody by the Ottawa Police Service at an address in Ottawa, where he was discovered with a firearm before being transported to Kingston. Apart from charges for criminal harassment and uttering death threats, Kingston Police reported additional charges including possession of a weapon for committing an offence, possession of a firearm without a license, and occupying a vehicle with a firearm present. While Kingston Police did not disclose Griplas’s name directly, Colangeli confirmed they were referring to him as detailed in the court documents obtained by CBC. Griplas previously attempted to run for Ottawa city council in 2018 representing Ward 1, which includes part of eastern Orléans. He received only 65 votes, finishing second last among 17 candidates. His history includes previous encounters with law enforcement that involved multiple harassment charges. He registered his candidacy for mayor on Aug. 21 this year-the final day nominations were accepted ahead of the Oct. 26 election. The public list shows him under the name Geoff Nicholas; however, he used his full name including Griplas on other nomination forms that also matched his address listed on the charge sheet. Social media posts has reviewed social media content still visible on a Facebook page named Geoffrey Nicholas Griplas. One post from Sept. 6 features an image of a flyer for Silver Lake campsite engulfed in flames alongside messages like “kill Da Cliff.” It is captioned “shame on you Mark!” A video posted on Sept. 10 displays the same flyer where “mayor must die” can be clearly seen. Another video dated Sept. 12 presents a messy room with bedsheets marked by what appears to be red stains along with phrases like “F-k Ford” and “Kill Ford.” On Sept. 14-a date outside those covered by charges-he shared text stating “the Great Debate is approaching.” An attached video features someone concealing their face while waving what seems to be a revolver and shouting various phrases including “dead, dead, dead.” The Kingston courthouse confirmed Griplas appeared virtually on Thursday while remaining in custody; his next court date is set for Monday, Sept. 21 for possible bail hearings. Police attended a campaign launch event held by Sutcliffe on Wednesday. When asked whether they’re providing security details for him, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) refrained from commenting about any specific measures or protocols due to concerns over operational security affecting public safety. However they emphasized they are taking these threats seriously. “In response to threats against Mayor Mark Sutcliffe,” OPS assessed available information then took necessary steps aimed at enhancing our policing response,” they said through written communication. Sutcliffe’s office chose not to comment while Ford’s office stated it won’t discuss ongoing legal matters.The 2018 election
Court records from the Ottawa Courthouse reveal that Griplas faced criminal harassment allegations stemming from events following the 2018 election. In one incident leading up to his guilty plea regarding mischief resulted in three years probation while two others found him not criminally responsible. Sutcliffe moderated debates during Griplas’s unsuccessful city council campaign back then; during opening statements he claimed prior incarceration led him feeling “brainwashed” toward committing acts resembling terrorism.P  ;P  ;P  ;P  ;P  ;P  ;P  ;P  ;P The requirements needed when registering as mayoral candidates are fairly low: $200 fee plus signatures collected from just twenty-five local residents-a standard rule across all municipalities within Ontario hosting over four thousand voters. No sooner than September first candidates may access voter lists containing eligible names along with addresses throughout cities needing requests submitted beforehand; Elections Ottawa confirmed no record exists showing Griplas requested these materials while campaigning ahead towards October sixteenth voting period.</ P > If questioned about plans preventing future potential actions similar undertaken earlier upon registration Salter Mac Donald indicated clerks remain unable provide responses further until later dates thereafter awaiting official confirmations surrounding elections roles assigned respective offices currently overseeing processes required uphold integrity mandated legally maintaining adherence standards upheld under Municipal Elections Act governing activities pertaining registrations procedures outlined herein respectively.[/bbq] </ P >Source link
