This is the booking photo of Mohammed Abdullah Warsame taken by U.S. Marshals in 2003. CTV
Montreal police arrested Mohammed Abdullah Warsame, 51, after he reportedly threatened to kill many people. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) say he claimed he could make explosives. This happened on May 26 at the Old Brewery Mission, a shelter for homeless people.
Montreal police first responded and then passed the case to the RCMP’s national security team. Investigations are still ongoing. Warsame appeared in court the day after his arrest and must return for another hearing soon. Authorities said he received psychological help between the threat and arrest.
The shelter praised its staff for quickly noticing the danger. “Our employees are trained to spot dangerous behavior,” the shelter said.
Past terrorism conviction
Warsame has a serious history. In 2009, he pleaded guilty in a U.S. court for helping al-Qaeda, the terrorist group founded by Osama bin Laden. He admitted to giving training and money to al-Qaeda between 2000 and 2003.
He trained at al-Qaeda camps in Afghanistan and met bin Laden himself. U.S. officials say Warsame found bin Laden “very inspirational” and learned to use weapons like AK-47 rifles.
A 2004 FBI statement said Warsame saw bin Laden many times and even sat next to him at a meal. He moved from Pakistan to Canada in 2001 and kept in touch with al-Qaeda members via email. He sent thousands of dollars to former al-Qaeda commanders.
Life in Canada and the U.S.
Before his conviction, Warsame lived in Toronto after fleeing Somalia’s civil war in 1989. He became a Canadian citizen and later moved to Minneapolis in 1995 to marry his wife.
After serving almost eight years in a U.S. prison, including five years in solitary confinement, he was deported back to Canada in 2010.
Concerns about safety and security
The police remain cautious because Warsame’s past ties and current threats suggest serious risks. They continue investigating and monitoring the situation closely.
Summary:
Mohammed Abdullah Warsame, a Canadian with past links to al-Qaeda, was arrested in Montreal after threatening a large attack. He has a history of terrorism convictions in the U.S., where he trained with Osama bin Laden. Authorities are investigating, and the homeless shelter staff acted fast to prevent harm. Warsame faces serious legal charges and psychological evaluation.
