A 23-year-old man faces threatening communications charges after police executed a search warrant in Orléans in relation to threats against
in Manotick.
Ottawa police say the search warrant was executed at about 8:28 a.m. Sunday at a home in the 300 block of River Ridge Crescent, where a suspect was arrested without incident.
Spencer Shamy appeared in court Monday. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday morning.
The threat came in response to social media posts from a staff member at the Grade 7 to 12 school about the recent killing of conservative media personality Charlie Kirk, who was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
The comments attributed to a teacher referred to Kirk as a “hateful, evil man. Racist, transphobic and antifeminist. His rhetoric hurt people and he has even said that empathy was a made-up word. So I feel no sorrow at all. I don’t have to and that doesn’t make me a bad person.”
In a message to St. Mark students’ families, principal Alison Strucchelli said social media posts connected to a school staff member had been circulating online.
“These posts were made outside of school hours, on a personal account, and do not represent the values or mission of St. Mark Catholic High School or the Ottawa Catholic School Board. The Board takes this situation seriously and is looking into it expeditiously and carefully,” she said.
The letter stated that the Ottawa Police Service was contacted immediately after the school learned of the threat during the weekend, and added that police are investigating.
The letter from Strucchelli added that the school is “committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment. We recognize that online discussion can sometimes seem divisive, but please know that our leadership team is approaching the situation with care.”
In a follow-up letter sent Monday, Strucchelli said the Ottawa Police Service has confirmed that a person of interest is now in custody and has advised that they do not believe there is a risk to students or staff.
”School will be open as usual. We continue to work closely with both the Ottawa Police Service and the Ottawa Catholic School Board to ensure your children are safe. As an added precaution, officers from the Community School Engagement Team will be on site tomorrow morning to provide additional support and reassurance,” she said.
“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. Please encourage your child to reach out if they are feeling anxious or worried—we are here to help. If you have concerns about your child’s well-being, you can also connect directly with their guidance counsellor.”
The East Criminal Investigations Unit is investigating.
Anyone with information that could help this investigation is asked to contact the East Criminal Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 3566, or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.