Two individuals from Alberta charged with making online death threats against Trudeau and other federal leaders

Charges have been laid against two men from Alberta for making death threats against top federal politicians, including the prime minister.

The RCMP reported that in May, a social media user on the platform X had threatened to kill Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Mason John Baker, 23 years old from Calgary, has been charged with uttering threats in this case.

In a separate incident in June, threats were made on YouTube to kill Mr. Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, and federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.

Garry Belzevick, 67 years old from Edmonton, faces three counts of uttering threats related to this situation.

Both individuals are scheduled to appear in court this week.

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RCMP Insp. Matthew Johnson, acting head of the Mounties’ national security team, emphasized that online posts are not truly anonymous and can lead to serious consequences.

In a statement on July 22, Insp. Johnson said, “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.”