Courthouse Threats: Two Men Arrested by Annapolis RCMP

Section 1: Community Safety Alert

Annapolis District RCMP have arrested two men in connection with threats to bring firearms to a courthouse and commit violence. The investigation, centred in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, followed information police received in June about comments allegedly made earlier in the spring.

Officers learned that two men had reportedly discussed taking firearms to a courthouse with the intention of causing harm. These threats were said to have occurred in April and were brought to the attention of police in June. The RCMP moved to assess the risk and, with prior knowledge of an earlier weapons seizure involving one of the men, safely took both suspects into custody on June 21, 2026.

Section 2: Official RCMP Details

According to the official RCMP file (No. 2026-842379), this investigation is linked to reported threats targeting a courthouse in the Annapolis area. The case also intersects with an earlier, separate investigation in which numerous weapons were seized from a residence.

Key facts from the RCMP investigation include:

• On June 18, 2026, officers with Annapolis District RCMP began an investigation after receiving information about threats involving firearms and a courthouse.
• Police learned that two men had allegedly made comments in April 2026 about bringing firearms to a courthouse with the intent to commit acts of violence.
• These threats were not reported to police until June 2026, prompting the current investigation.
• Officers were already aware that, in May 2026, a search warrant executed as part of an unrelated investigation led to the seizure of multiple firearms, ammunition, and other weapons from a residence linked to one of the men now under arrest.
• At the time of these latest arrests, police had no evidence that either man had obtained any new firearms following the earlier seizure.
• On June 21, 2026, both men were arrested without incident.

One accused has been publicly identified:

• Name: Chanse Roger Durling
• Age: 41
• Residence: Middleton, Nova Scotia
• Charges:
  • Uttering Threats (five counts)
• Court Status: First appearance held on June 22, 2026 at Annapolis Royal Provincial Court.
• Custody Status: Remains in custody following the initial court appearance.

The second man arrested in this investigation has not been publicly named in the RCMP release. RCMP report that:

• He was released by police on conditions.
• He is scheduled to appear in Annapolis Royal Provincial Court on July 13, 2026.

This case unfolds in the broader context of community safety in the Annapolis region. For residents who want to better understand local trends around violence and weapons offences, CrimeCanada.ca maintains detailed crime statistics and safety data for Annapolis Royal and neighbouring districts, supporting informed discussions about courthouse and public-space security.

Police Seeking Information

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have further details about the threats or related activity to come forward. Community tips can help police confirm timelines, understand risk, and prevent future incidents.

If you have information related to this investigation, contact:

• Annapolis County District RCMP: 902-665-4481
• Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers (anonymous):
  • Toll-free: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
  • Online: www.crimestoppers.ns.ca
  • Via the P3 Tips mobile app

Section 3: CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, threats involving courthouses or other justice facilities are particularly concerning because they target institutions that exist to uphold law and order. Even when weapons have already been seized, as in this case, credible threats of violence can create fear for staff, legal professionals, and community members who rely on these public buildings. In regions like Annapolis County and Annapolis Royal, where local courts are central to serving surrounding communities, protecting these spaces is essential to maintaining trust in the justice system.

We encourage residents across Nova Scotia to report serious or violent threats as soon as they become known, rather than waiting weeks or months. Early reporting gives police more time to assess risk, verify access to weapons, and put safety measures in place. If you hear someone talk about bringing weapons to public buildings, schools, or government offices, treat the comments seriously and speak with law enforcement or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, with Crime Stoppers. Timely community action can disrupt potential harm and supports a safer environment for everyone attending court, working in justice facilities, or using public services in the Annapolis region and beyond.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the nova-scotia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.