Charges have been laid against two men from Alberta, in separate investigations, for threats to kill federal politicians.

The Integrated National Security Enforcement Team of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) (INSET) said in a press release yesterday afternoon that it had received information on May 10 that a user on the social media platform X had posted threats to kill Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

On June 6, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police charged Mason John Baker, 23, of Calgary, with making threats against someone.

On June 7, the police said in a separate investigation that INSET had received information that a YouTube user had posted threats to kill Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, and New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh.

On June 13, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police charged Gary Belzevic, 67, of Edmonton, with three counts related to making threats against someone.

Matthew Johnson, acting officer in charge of the RCMP INSET, Northwest Region, said in a press release, “In the digital age, where many interactions occur online and are seen as anonymous, there is a belief that virtual actions and words have no consequences.”

Johnson added, “When these virtual actions or words cross the line of protected expression under the Charter and constitute criminal activity, the police will conduct a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.”

Baker is scheduled to appear in court in Calgary today, and Belzevic is set to appear in court in Edmonton on Thursday.

INSET is made up of specially trained members from the RCMP and other law enforcement and national security partners. Its mandate is to track, deter, disrupt, and prevent criminal activities by terrorist groups or individuals posing a threat to Canada’s national security.