Vancouver police arrest man after reports of gun at Ibrahim Ali trial

Vancouver police say a man has been arrested and released in connection with allegations that someone brought a gun into the courtroom for the high-profile Ibrahim Ali murder trial.

In a statement to CityNews, the VPD says it “initiated an investigation into allegations that a member of the public brought a weapon into the Vancouver Law Courts” during the trial.

“One man has been arrested and was released pending further investigation. We are unable to share additional information at this time,” the statement continued.

On Monday, one of Ali’s lawyers said that police had told him a person close to the proceeding brought a handgun to court on Friday with “intent to kill.”

Defence lawyer Kevin McCullough said police told him the Glock firearm was loaded.

The lawyer says he and his wife were called to the Victoria police department on Sunday, where officers informed them of the incident.

Ali’s trial concluded on Friday when he was found guilty of first-degree murder in the Burnaby girl’s death. The 13-year-old’s body was found in Burnaby’s Central Park in July 2017, just hours after her mother reported her missing.

The girl cannot be named due to a publication ban.

McCullough had asked for Friday’s proceedings to be moved to a secure courtroom in light of what he said was a “litany of death threats.”

But Justice Lance Bernard said he didn’t know if one was available and the move didn’t take place.

In the wake of reports of threats against Ali’s defence, the Law Society of BC says all people participating in the justice system “are entitled to feel safe as they carry out their difficult, yet vital role in the administration of justice,” no matter who they are.

“Lawyers have a duty to provide legal services to their client no matter who the client is or what they are alleged to have done. Criminal defence lawyers may be called on to represent clients alleged to have committed horrific crimes. In our system of justice, an accused is innocent until proven guilty, and a lawyer’s role is to ensure that the client is treated fairly during all stages of investigations and court proceedings,” the society said in a statement to CityNews.

“All persons are entitled to the assistance of a lawyer to defend them and ensure their rights are represented and protected. Lawyers must not be identified with their clients or their clients’ conduct as a result of doing their job. The safety of lawyers and of all legal professionals, both inside and outside of court, should be taken very seriously.”

-With files from The Canadian Press