The RCMP Federal Policing Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET), Northwest Region has arrested and charged two individuals for uttering threats against several public figures in two separate investigations.
On May 10, 2024, INSET received information that a user of the social media platform "X", formerly known as Twitter, had allegedly posted threats to kill Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. On June 6, 2024, Mason John Baker, 23, a resident of Calgary, was charged with uttering threats against a person contrary to section 264.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
On June 7, 2024, INSET received information that a YouTube account user had allegedly posted threats to kill Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh. On June 13, 2024, Garry Belzevick, 67, a resident of Edmonton, was charged with three counts of uttering threats against a person contrary to section 264.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
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.
The RCMP is mandated to investigate criminal offences arising from terrorism, espionage, cyber attacks, nuclear security risks, foreign influenced activities, incidents involving the security of an Internationally Protected Person (IPPs), the unlawful release of national security information and terrorist financing.
As part of its protective mandate, the RCMP is responsible for safeguarding designated Canadians and select foreign diplomatic personnel residing in Canada, as per Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, as well as visiting IPPs.
The security environment in which public figures operate continues to evolve both within Canada and abroad, and we recognize this is a time for increased vigilance.
"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."
- Insp. Matthew Johnson, Acting Officer in Charge of RCMP Federal Policing INSET, Northwest Region
Law enforcement agencies work diligently to make our communities a safer place to live but your assistance in remaining vigilant and informing us of any suspicious activities will help us be even more effective. Non‐emergency tips can be reported to the RCMP National Security Information Network by phone at 1‐800‐420‐5805 or online at www.rcmp.ca/report-it. To report an immediate threat to national security, please call 911 or your local police department.