Two Alberta Men Charged with Threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced on Monday the charging of two Alberta men for making threats against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other prominent Canadian political leaders. The charges come after alarming threats were posted on social media platforms.

The first incident occurred on May 10 when a 23-year-old Calgary man allegedly posted threats on the social media platform X, targeting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The second incident involved a 67-year-old Edmonton man who allegedly posted threats on YouTube on June 7, threatening to kill Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, and New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh.

The Calgary man has been charged with one count of uttering threats, while the Edmonton man faces three counts of the same charge. Both individuals are scheduled to appear in court this week to address the charges.

Inspector Matthew Johnson of the RCMP emphasized the seriousness of online threats in a statement: “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. 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.”

The charges come in the wake of an assassination attempt on U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump earlier this month. In response, Canada’s Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc stated that Canadian security and law enforcement officials are exercising increased vigilance to prevent similar threats and ensure the safety of political figures.

The RCMP’s swift action against the two Alberta men underscores the importance of addressing and prosecuting online threats, ensuring that individuals who engage in such criminal activities are held accountable. The upcoming court appearances will further determine the legal consequences for these threats against Canadian political leaders.