A Nova Scotia man accused of making a bomb threat against the U.S. Consulate in Halifax is now facing a terrorism-related charge after an investigation that shut down a large section of the city's downtown core.

Ali Assakereh, 54, has been charged with threatening the life of an internationally protected person, in addition to earlier charges of uttering threats and public mischief. Federal prosecutors say the new offence is considered a terrorism offence under the Criminal Code. 

The investigation began after police were alerted to a bomb threat targeting the U.S. Consulate on Aug. 9. The following morning, officers located Assakereh's vehicle in the Purdy's Wharf parkade near the consulate.

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Police said a propane tank and several containers believed to hold flammable liquid were visible inside the vehicle, prompting the deployment of the explosive disposal unit and the evacuation of several downtown streets. A suspicious bag was also located nearby. 

Assakereh was arrested roughly 10 kilometres away near the Canada Games Centre. The downtown evacuation remained in place for several hours before police determined there was no continuing threat and reopened the area.

Assakereh, who is originally from Iran, has remained in custody since his arrest. His family previously told Global News they were shocked by the allegations and did not know what may have motivated the alleged threat. 

The new federal charge marks a significant escalation from the initial charges laid by Halifax Regional Police as the national security investigation continues.