A man from Burlington, Ontario, who admitted to making threats towards two women expressed remorse for his actions, which included online posts detailing violent intentions. DeAndre Anderson, aged 25, attended his sentencing hearing, where it was revealed that he was arrested in April 2024 and charged with two counts of making threats in alignment with the incel ideology, as stated by the RCMP.
Following a collaborative investigation involving the Halton Regional Police Service and the FBI, the charges were deemed to be related to terrorist activities under the law enforcement code. Anderson pleaded guilty in November, and the Crown prosecution recommended a five-year sentence at the end of August. Anderson, using the online alias MrUgly420, admitted to posting on an incel website between December 2022 and April 2024, as per the agreed statement of facts between the Crown and the defense.
Incel, short for “involuntary celibate,” denotes a misogynistic subculture known for blaming women for their relationship struggles. Anderson’s posts included threats towards a former high school classmate, expressing desires to harm her and sharing her photo online. Subsequent to his arrest, authorities discovered plans by Anderson to harm his dentist and commit violence against women randomly. The identities of the victims are safeguarded under a publication ban.
Anderson’s bail request was denied due to concerns that he might act on his violent fantasies, particularly targeting his classmate and dentist. He had also expressed intentions online to harm women, revealing disturbing admiration for mass murderers like Payton Gendron and Elliot Rodger. Police found evidence of his fascination with individuals involved in violent acts, such as Alek Minassian and Nathaniel Veltman.
The prosecution sought a five-year sentence for Anderson, citing his mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and ADHD, exacerbated by alcohol abuse. Anderson expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging the need for help and committing to medication and therapy. A psychiatric evaluation indicated his dangerous inclinations and low self-esteem issues.
Federal prosecutor Sabina Burdo highlighted Anderson’s youth, guilty plea, and clean record as factors in recommending the five-year sentence. Anderson affirmed that his threats constituted terrorism offenses under the Criminal Code.
