2 Alberta men arrested for threatening to assassinate Trudeau, Freeland, Singh

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have arrested two Alberta men accused of threatening to kill federal politicians. The RCMP Federal Policing Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET), Northwest Region charged and arrested Calgary resident Mason John Baker, 23, on June 6 for “uttering threats against a person contrary to section 264.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code,” according to an RCMP news release. Baker allegedly made the threats against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on X.

The RCMP then arrested Edmonton resident Garry Belzevick, 67, on June 13 and charged him with three counts under the same section of the Criminal Code of Canada for allegedly threatening Trudeau, Finance Minister Chystia Freeland and New Democratic leader Jagmeet Singh. 

The RCMP reports that “Baker is scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary on July 23, 2024. Belzevick is scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Edmonton on July 25, 2024.”

"In the digital age, where so many interactions occur online and are perceived to be anonymous, there is a belief that virtual actions and words do not have consequences,” stated Insp. Matthew Johnson, Acting Officer in Charge of RCMP Federal Policing INSET, Northwest Region.

“When these virtual actions or words cross the boundaries of Charter-protected speech and constitute criminal activity, police will investigate thoroughly to hold those responsible accountable,” he continued. 

Death threats against Trudeau and other federal government politicians increased during the Covid-19 lockdowns. In January the RCMP charged Montreal man Paul Clarissou with uttering death threats against Trudeau. 

In February 2017, a Saskatchewan Facebook enthusiast received a $500 fine for his online threats against Trudeau, which included assassination. In addition to the monetary fine, Christopher Hayes, then 41, received nine months probation, during which time he was forbidden from attending any events where Trudeau was present. He was also prohibited from firearm ownership for three years.

On March 6, 2016, Hayes posted on Facebook how he wished to assassinate Trudeau. Hayes wrote: “Imma buot [sic] to go shoot this mother fuc*er dead.” Hayes added that “if the Canadian liberal voters won’t stand up for all fn [sic] Canadians and demand better conduct by the Trudeau government I’ll cut off the head of the snake myself and go down in the history books as the man who saves Canada.”

Then two days later, he relented from promising to harm Trudeau but invited anyone who was willing to shoot Trudeau. “Am I going to kill JT? Nope. Physically harm the guy? Nope. I do think however he should be shot dead…and I would personally thank the person who did kill him.”