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"The recent attacks in Australia clearly show the impacts of hate-motivated crime," RCMP Chief Supt. Kevin Lewis said in the release, referring to a mass shooting earlier this month during a Hanukkah celebration at Australia's Bondi Beach, which left at least 15 people dead and 38 wounded.

Lewis said he believes the case in P.E.I. involves the first hate crime charges ever laid in the province.

The investigation into the man's social media posts led police to his home, where officers seized a shotgun and ammunition, the news release said. RCMP officers arrested him in August and charged him with four firearm offences including possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace.

He was released on conditions, which he allegedly breached three times in August and September. He was arrested again in October for breaching his conditions by posting hate online, the Mounties said.

Officers laid two additional charges on Tuesday, including public promotion of hatred toward Jewish people and wilful promotion of antisemitism, RCMP said.

Police laid the charges with public safety in mind, the news release said.

"In Canada, the distinction between freedom of speech and a hate crime is based on the balance between an individual’s right to express themselves and the protection of vulnerable groups from harm," it said.

The man is scheduled to appear in court next month.

This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published Dec. 24, 2025.