An Ottawa prosecutor on Tuesday called for a six-year prison sentence against a Canadian military reservist who broke into the area where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resides with multiple firearms.
The judge reserved his decision until March 10.
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On July 2, 46-year-old Corey Hurren smashed his pick-up truck loaded with firearms into the entrance gate to the grounds of Rideau Hall.
This park in the federal capital is home to the official residence of the Governor General, representative of Queen Elisabeth II - Canada's head of state - and that of the Prime Minister.
Armed with several rifles and dozens of ammunition, the man then advanced on foot to Mr. Trudeau's residence, where neither the Prime Minister nor his family were present.
The police arrested him without violence after having parleyed with him for an hour and a half.
He had explained that he planned to interrupt a press conference by Mr. Trudeau in front of his official residence to protest against a new law banning assault rifles in Canada.
Corey Hurren also said he was sorry he lost his business during the pandemic and failed to meet the conditions for emergency government assistance.
However, he assured that he did not want to hurt anyone.
The prosecutor admitted Tuesday that there was no evidence that he wanted to kill Justin Trudeau, according to Canadian media.
But her actions were "far from benign" and could have sparked a shootout with the police, she said.
Hurren's lawyer for his part stressed that his client was depressed at the time of the facts, and recalled that he had surrendered without resistance to the police.
Corey Hurren was originally charged with 21 charges in July, including "carrying a weapon for a dangerous purpose" and making threats against Mr. Trudeau.
He finally pleaded guilty to eight counts including disturbing public order and carrying weapons.
Mr. Trudeau, his wife and their three children currently live in Rideau Cottage, a property located in the grounds of the Governor General's official residence, the Prime Minister's official residence being under construction.
and / ast / cjc