Teen accused in school sword attack praised Nazis, talked about mass murder plans, court hears

In the months leading up to a sword attack at a Brandon, Man., high school, a teen wrote in a notebook about “invaders” of Canada — specifically Black and Muslim immigrants — and his mass murder plan.

That’s according to an agreed statement of facts presented in court Tuesday, as the trial for the boy began unexpectedly ahead of schedule in Brandon’s Court of King’s Bench. The day was originally scheduled for a pretrial hearing.

The now 17-year-old, who can’t be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, pleaded not guilty to nine charges related to the June 10, 2025, attack at Neelin High School in the southwestern Manitoba city, including three charges of attempted murder.

He’s also charged with aggravated assault, two counts of assault with a weapon, wearing a disguise with intent and two counts of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

As the charges were read out, the boy became emotional, prompting the judge to ask him if he needed a break.

The 2025 attack left a fellow 15-year-old student — who is Black and whose family is originally from Nigeria — with major injuries, in what police have previously described as a racially motivated crime.

Read more: CBC News