Homeless man with al‑Qaeda ties faces new charges as lawyer cites mental health concerns

Mohamed Abdullah Warsame faces new charges over alleged threats to Montreal transit and Passport Canada, and his lawyer says he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia; the case is currently being negotiated in court.

A man appearing in a Montreal courtroom via video conference is facing new charges after earlier allegations tied to threats against public services. His lawyer said the defendant has long-standing psychiatric struggles and was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. The man previously pleaded guilty in the United States to providing material support to al‑Qaeda and was later deported to Canada. Following the hearing, prosecutors and defence counsel reported ongoing negotiations in the matter. Key facts: - He has been charged in Montreal with uttering threats related to the city's public transit system and was also accused of using a jail phone to threaten Passport Canada offices in Montreal and Quebec City. - Mohamed Abdullah Warsame previously pleaded guilty in Minnesota in 2009 to providing material support to al‑Qaeda after attending training camps in Afghanistan, and he was deported to Canada in 2010. - Defence lawyer Leonard Waxman said Warsame has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and described ongoing psychiatric problems. - The federal Crown invoked a Criminal Code terrorism provision that could affect potential penalties, and prosecutors said they are negotiating with defence counsel after a brief court appearance. Summary: The proceedings bring together criminal allegations, a prior foreign conviction, and reported mental health concerns as part of the court record. Defence counsel asked for a delay while negotiations proceed, and the timing of subsequent court steps was not specified.