The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have arrested two Alberta men accused of making death threats against federal politicians. The RCMP’s Federal Policing Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, Northwest Region, charged and arrested 23-year-old Mason John Baker from Calgary on June 6. Baker is accused of “uttering threats against a person contrary to section 264.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code,” specifically targeting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on X.
On June 13, the RCMP arrested 67-year-old Garry Belzevick from Edmonton, charging him with three counts under the same section of the Criminal Code for allegedly threatening Prime Minister Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh.
According to the RCMP, Baker is scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary on July 23, 2024, while Belzevick is set 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. He added, “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.”
Death threats against Trudeau and other federal politicians have increased during the COVID-19 lockdowns. In January, the RCMP charged Montreal resident Paul Clarissou with uttering death threats against Trudeau.
In February 2017, a Saskatchewan man received a $500 fine for his online threats against Trudeau, which included assassination. Christopher Hayes, then 41, also received nine months probation, during which he was forbidden from attending any events where Trudeau was present and was prohibited from owning firearms for three years.
On March 6, 2016, Hayes posted on Facebook expressing a desire to assassinate Trudeau, writing, “Imma buot [sic] to go shoot this mother fuc*er dead.” He added, “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.”
Two days later, Hayes clarified that he did not plan to harm Trudeau personally but invited others to do so. “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.”