Man in photo no longer considered a suspect after fake explosive found in Halifax: police

Halifax police put caution tape around Grand Parade, where the suspicious package was reported on March 26, 2025. (Paul DeWitt/CTV Atlantic)

A man Halifax police initially believed was a suspect after a fake explosive device was found in the city Wednesday morning is no longer considered a suspect.

Halifax Regional Police released a photo of the man, whom they called a “suspect,” Wednesday afternoon, saying they were trying to identify him.

Investigators released an update Thursday, stating they have identified the man and spoke to him that morning.

“While the man had encountered the package, police no longer believe he is a suspect,” said Const. Martin Cromwell, media relations officer for the Halifax Regional Police, in a news release.

“Police thank the public for their assistance and ask anyone who shared the image released yesterday to consider removing it from social media.”

Police responded to a report of a suspicious package in Grand Parade, near Halifax City Hall, around 9:50 a.m. Wednesday. They closed a number of streets in the area while they investigated.

Investigators determined the package was a “hoax improvised explosive device.” They said it didn’t pose a risk to the public, but it was “designed to come across as threatening.”

Police say the investigation into the matter is still ongoing.

They are asking anyone with information about the incident or with video from the area is asked to call them at 902-490-5020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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