Sask. man charged with making online threats against Trudeau

A 34-year-old Saskatchewan man caught the attention of police in the Maritimes after he allegedly wrote threats against the prime minister on social media.

In March, New Brunswick RCMP notified the RCMP’s national security enforcement section about threats made against Justin Trudeau.

In a news release Friday, RCMP said those threats linked to Saskatchewan and spurred an investigation.

On Wednesday afternoon, Derek Hurrell from Borden was arrested following a traffic stop near the central Saskatchewan community.

He’s been charged with one count of uttering threats.

RCMP also searched a home in Borden and seized several electronics items. Police did not indicate if the home was Hurrell’s.

“This is the second charge of this nature laid within the past ten months,” said Supt. Rob Cameron in a news release.

“Both instances involved the use of social media. It’s important for the public to know that criminal charges may be laid if evidence is obtained to support them. We do not take these investigations lightly, no matter who the victim is.”

RCMP said there is no direct contact between Hurrell and Trudeau, and the investigation is ongoing.

Hurrell appeared in Saskatoon Provincial Court Thursday morning.