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St. Catharines Man Facing Charges in Anthrax Hoax

RCMP officers in Ottawa have arrested a St. Catharines man in connection to an anthrax hoax.

On April 29th, an employee at an Ottawa government office opened an envelope addressed to a Canadian government official. 

Inside was a letter that said "You've Been Anthraxed."

A team specializing in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives incidents was deployed, and no traces of anthrax were found. 

Police arrested 63 year old Joseph Knipfel on May 6th, and a search of his home turned up electronic devices, documents, and copies of other letters claiming to contain anthrax. 

The RCMP intercepted similar letters mailed to domestic and international government officials. 

Investigators also discovered a link to similar letters mailed to government officials in 2020 claiming to contain the coronavirus.

A court date has been scheduled for July 8th. 

Knipfel faces charges of hoax terrorism and uttering threats. 

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