Politics

Crown seeks plea date for Corey Hurren, accused in Rideau Hall incident

The Canadian Armed Forces member accused of uttering threats against the prime minister and crashing the gate at Rideau Hall with a loaded firearm has had his case put off another month.

Police say CAF member stormed Rideau Hall with loaded firearm July 2 and was heading to prime minister's home

Image from the Facebook page of Corey Hurren, identified as the Canadian Armed Forces member from Bowsman, Man., who was arrested by police in Ottawa after they say he was armed and had gained access to the grounds at Rideau Hall early Thursday morning.
Image from the Facebook page of Corey Hurren, the Canadian Armed Forces member from Bowsman, Man., who police say was armed when he gained access to the grounds at Rideau Hall July 2. (GrindHouse Fine Foods/Facebook)

The Canadian Armed Forces member accused of uttering threats against the prime minister and crashing the gate at Rideau Hall with a loaded firearm has had his case put off another month, but Crown lawyers say they hope to set a day for a plea soon.

Corey Hurren, 46, faces 22 criminal charges, most related to the four loaded firearms police say he had in his possession the day he allegedly drove a truck onto the grounds of the official residence and set out on foot toward the prime minister's home.

He's also accused of uttering a threat to "cause death or bodily harm" to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was not home at the time.

Hurren made a short virtual appearance in front of an Ontario Court judge in Ottawa Friday morning. He has not had a bail hearing yet nor has he entered a plea since his July 2 arrest.

An articling student speaking on behalf of Hurren's lawyer, Michael Davies, said the defence continues to investigate and needs to deal with a matter in Manitoba, where the Canadian Ranger is from.

Crown prosecutors also told the court they're looking to set a date for a plea and sentencing.

The case will be back in court Dec. 4.