Canada has designated the far-right US group Proud Boys as a terrorist entity.
Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said the decision was influenced by the group’s “pivotal role” in the 6 January riots at the Capitol in Washington, DC.
The designation allows the Proud Boys’ assets to be frozen, and members of the groups could be charged with terrorist offences if they commit violent acts.
The group is far-right, all-male and anti-immigrant, and has a history of violent political confrontations.
Its platform includes ideas espoused by former US President Donald Trump, libertarianism and traditional gender roles.
The group was mentioned by Mr Trump during the first US presidential debate last October.
Responding to a question about white supremacist and militia groups, he said, “Proud Boys – stand back and stand by” which members of the group online took as a call to prepare for action. Mr Trump later distanced himself from the group.
Two other far-right US groups – Atomwaffen Division and the Base – have also been designated by Canada as terrorist entities, along with several affiliates of the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda.
