Arms Contractor Granted Discharge Over Assault on Protester at Ottawa Arms Expo
The judge found Henschel guilty but imposed no conviction, while ordering him to pay a $5,000 victim surcharge.
- On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Justice Norman Boxall granted an absolute discharge to David Henschel for assaulting a protester at the 2024 CANSEC defence expo in Ottawa, finding him guilty but imposing no conviction or conditions.
- Henschel previously pleaded guilty to intentionally striking a 21-year-old woman in a hijab who told him he was "actively supporting genocide" during the May 2024 CANSEC conference in Ottawa.
- Defence lawyer James Foord argued that PTSD and low blood sugar caused Henschel to become "irritable," and the defendant stood at attention and saluted after Justice Boxall read the decision.
- Assistant Crown attorney Moiz Karimjee called the sentence "demonstrably unfit" and confirmed plans to appeal, while courtroom supporters of the victim shouted "shame" and chanted "Racist, racist, racist!".
- The sentencing followed Henschel's failure to appear in person earlier this month, which resulted in a $5,000 fine; he has 14 days to pay an additional $5,000 victim surcharge.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Rocky Mountain Outlook
Court gives arms contractor discharge on assault against protester in Ottawa
OTTAWA — An Ontario court judge granted a discharge on Wednesday to a British military veteran and arms contractor over an assault against a young, pro-Palestinian protester at a military equipment show in the nation's capital.
Swiss man who assaulted protester in Ottawa gets absolute discharge
A Swiss man who pleaded guilty to punching a protester in the face outside an Ottawa defence conference in 2024 was given an absolute discharge Wednesday before exiting the courtroom to angry shouts from supporters of the victim.
Winnipeg Free Press
Arms contractor granted discharge over assault on protester at Ottawa arms expo
OTTAWA - An Ontario court judge has granted a discharge to a British military veteran over an assault outside a military equipment show in the nation's capital.
A Swiss man struck a young demonstrator in the face before an armaments fair in Canada. The judge called the act "criminal" but waived a sentence. The mild sentence causes indignation.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 79% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
