The RCMP says four people, including current Canadian Armed Forces members, are facing charges after allegedly planning to seize land near Quebec City. An RCMP handout photo shows what police describe as military-style training involving the accused. (Credit: Quebec RCMP/The Canadian Press)
Court records reveal disturbing new information about three Quebec men with military ties accused of terrorism. Investigators say one of them warned of a violent standoff, comparing it to the 1993 Waco massacre in Texas. Police allege the group trained for months while preparing to seize land north of Quebec City.
Extensive surveillance operations
The RCMP arrested four men in July after receiving intelligence from Canada’s spy agency. Officers monitored the group for months using undercover agents, informants, wiretaps, and even aircraft. Court files show the men practised invasion tactics in a remote area and gathered weapons, tactical gear, and surveillance equipment.
Training and equipment
Investigators say the men trained in July 2022 on violent techniques, including throat-slitting and headshots. They allegedly accessed powerful firearms like AR-15 rifles, high-capacity magazines, night vision goggles, drones, and cameras. The group’s online activity also raised red flags, as members shared images of themselves in tactical gear.
Social media evidence
Court documents link Instagram user @hide_n_stalk to accused Marc-Aurèle Chabot of Quebec City. In June 2023, he appeared on a podcast and described his time in the Canadian Armed Forces. He criticized government policies, firearm laws, and political leaders. He allegedly said, “It’s gonna be another WACO,” when speaking about defending their plans.
Far-right ideology concerns
The files describe elements of far-right and accelerationist ideology. This movement promotes the idea of speeding up social collapse through violence to create a new system. Authorities believe Chabot’s comments reflected these ideas. He claimed politicians could not be trusted and stressed the need to build separate communities.
Other accused identified
The three other men also have links to the military.
- Cpl. Matthew Forbes, 33, from Pont-Rouge, is an active member of the 5th Light Artillery Regiment based in Valcartier. He previously served in Latvia on a NATO mission.
- Simon Angers-Audet, 24, from Neuville, is a reservist with the Voltigeurs de Québec regiment.
- Raphaël Lagacé, 25, from Quebec City, once worked as a civilian instructor with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
Court decisions on bail
Last month, a judge denied bail to three of the accused. Forbes received release under strict conditions, including wearing a GPS bracelet. Police continue to investigate the group’s activities and connections to extremist networks.
Historical context
The mention of Waco has drawn attention. In 1993, U.S. authorities raided a Texas cult suspected of hoarding weapons. The standoff lasted 51 days and ended in a fire that killed 86 people. Police say the reference highlights the seriousness of the threats made by the accused.
