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A Toronto man acquitted of plotting to bomb the G20 summit two years ago says he was turned away at the U.S. border Thursday morning because he “did not qualify” as a visitor.

Byron Sonne — who was en route with his girlfriend to New York City for American Thanksgiving, new passport in hand — apparently caught the attention of U.S. border agents late Wednesday.

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“Bus about to disembark into little building at border,” Sonne wrote on Twitter. Then, hours later, on Thursday morning: “REFUSED ENTRY TO USA. Back on Canuck soil after 9 hours in a room.”

REFUSED ENTRY TO USA —

blsonne (@torontogoat) November 22, 2012

Sonne says U.S. border officials told the couple they “did not qualify as visitors at this time.” He believes his investigation in Canada for terrorism-related offences played a role, adding he was “not surprised” at the turn of events.

Sonne, a Forest Hill computer consultant charged with possessing explosive substances and counselling mischief in relation to the G20, was found not guilty in May, with the judge noting his attempts to “test the system” made him a target for police.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

National Post