By The Canadian Press

Man charged after alleged threats to Ottawa school over Charlie Kirk post

Sep 15, 2025 | 8:58 AM

OTTAWA — Ottawa police have charged a man over alleged threats made to a local high school in response to a staff member’s social media post about the death of Charlie Kirk.

The Ottawa Catholic School Board says it is looking into social media posts that a board spokesperson confirms were related to Kirk, a right-wing U.S. activist who was gunned down on a Utah college campus last week.

The principal of St. Mark High School in south Ottawa sent a message to parents Sunday morning telling them that the posts were made outside of school hours, on a personal account, and don’t represent the values or mission of St. Mark Catholic High School or the Ottawa Catholic School Board.

Principal Alison Strucchelli also said her team became aware of a threat made in response to the posts over the weekend and “immediately” contacted the Ottawa Police Service. She said police officers would be present at the school Monday morning.

Police said a 23-year-old man was arrested without incident after officers executed a search warrant Sunday morning in an east-end Ottawa neighbourhood about a half-hour drive from the school.

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A spokesperson for the police service said the suspect was to appear in court Monday.

A second message sent to the families of St. Mark students Sunday evening said police believe there is currently no risk to students or staff. In that letter, Strucchelli said the school would be open as usual and that officers from the Community School Engagement Team would be on site Monday morning to provide “additional support and reassurance.”

“We know this has been an unsettling time for students and families. Our guidance team, chaplaincy leader, and members of the Board’s mental health support team will be available throughout the week for any student who may need extra support,” Strucchelli said.

Police said they will maintain an increased presence around the school while they investigate.

Kirk, whose death was announced on social media by U.S. President Donald Trump, was speaking at a debate hosted by his non-profit political organization when he was shot.

Immediately before the shooting, Kirk was taking questions from an audience member about mass shootings and gun violence.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 15, 2025.

Craig Lord and Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press