A man from Windsor, Ontario, has been convicted of involvement in a terrorist group after attempting to join a far-right extremist organization. Seth Bertrand, 22, received the verdict from Justice Maria Carroccia at the Superior Court of Justice in Windsor. The charges stem from 2021 when Bertrand applied online to the Atomwaffen Division, also known as the National Socialist Order or the National Socialist Resistance Front, a group deemed a terrorist entity by the Canadian government. Inspired by neo-Nazi ideology, the Atomwaffen Division advocates for violent means to establish white nationalism.
Following an undercover investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Bertrand was arrested in 2022 and charged with supporting the activities of a terrorist group. Justice Carroccia ruled that Bertrand met all four criteria of the charge, acknowledging the group’s terrorist nature, Bertrand’s awareness of it, his active participation, and how his actions benefitted the group.
During the trial, it was revealed that in his application to join, Bertrand pledged allegiance to the Atomwaffen Division, offering his skills as a mechanic and military cadet. He expressed hostility towards gay and Jewish individuals, stating his desire to contribute to protecting the white race effectively.
Federal prosecutor Xenia Proestos expressed satisfaction with the charge and verdict, emphasizing that actual execution of activities by Bertrand was not a prerequisite for the conviction. Proestos highlighted the prevalent use of online platforms by such groups for recruitment and advancement of their agenda.
Bertrand had disclosed his aspirations for domestic terrorism and arming himself to an undercover RCMP officer. Additionally, he cited real-life incidents in 2021, including harassment of an LGBTQ+ couple and vandalism against a transgender support group, as proof of his commitment to the Atomwaffen Division.
Previously, Bertrand pleaded guilty to multiple counts of mischief and inciting hatred, resulting in a five-month house arrest sentence. His defense attorney, Bobby Russon, acknowledged Bertrand’s past actions but emphasized his client’s remorse and transformation since then. The defense focused on questioning the terrorism charge validity based on Bertrand’s application to the extremist group.
The conviction carries a maximum prison term of 10 years with no mandatory minimum sentence. Bertrand remains free pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for October 6.