Four arrested in Quebec militia plot against Canadian government

In Quebec, Canada, four men were arrested as part of an investigation focusing on alleged extremist activities. The arrests on July 9, 2025, followed extensive police surveillance that identified a group planning to create an anti-government militia aimed at forcibly seizing land in the Quebec City region. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) began the investigation in March 2023 due to concerns about ideologically motivated violent extremism among the suspects, which included two active members of the Canadian Armed Forces. These men were found to have been engaged in military-style training practices, including shooting and ambush exercises, that were indicative of preparation for violent action. The police uncovered a cache of weapons during a search conducted in January 2024, revealing serious threats to public safety. The arsenal included 16 explosive devices, 83 firearms of various calibers, and a significant quantity of ammunition. The suspects were identified as Marc-Aurele Chabot, Simon Angers-Audet, and Raphael Lagace, all in their twenties, while the fourth participant, Matthew Forbes, was aged 33. Detailed investigations indicated that they had coordinated efforts through a private Instagram account where they advertised their activities and sought to recruit new members. The Canadian Department of National Defence acknowledged that two arrested individuals were active military personnel, expressing that the allegations are taken seriously, especially since extremism within the military has become a recognized issue. A 2022 report highlighted that the Canadian Armed Forces could be susceptible to infiltration by members of extremist movements, raising significant moral and operational concerns regarding national security. Thus, the investigation not only highlights the vigilance of law enforcement but also exposes societal challenges that require urgent attention. Concerns surrounding ideologically motivated extremism have permeated various sectors of Canadian society, reflecting an ongoing struggle to manage and mitigate radical ideologies that could potentially disrupt social harmony and public safety. In light of the findings, authorities express that such arrests are essential, but they also acknowledge that this issue is broader than the mere apprehension of the suspects. It implicates a widespread problem that societal institutions must confront to prevent further proliferation of radical groups within Canada.