WINNIPEG: A Winnipeg man has been charged after police alleged he posted online threats targeting Prime Minister Mark Carney, according to a Royal Canadian Mounted Police news release issued in Manitoba. The RCMP said Jason Paul Rindall, 55, was arrested on Feb. 13 and faces three counts of uttering threats to cause death. Police said the allegations stem from posts on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
The RCMP said its Federal Policing Northwest Region National Security Enforcement Section in Manitoba opened an investigation on Jan. 16 into a user account that had allegedly posted threats targeting Carney. The force said the same account allegedly published content that incited hatred toward Jewish and Muslim communities. Police did not describe the posts or say how widely they circulated, and emphasized that the investigation is continuing.
Rindall remains in custody and is scheduled to make his next appearance at Winnipeg Provincial Court on March 13, the RCMP said. Police did not provide further details about the circumstances of the arrest or the investigative steps that led to the charges. The allegations have not been tested in court, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Charges filed under Criminal Code
The RCMP said Rindall was charged with uttering a threat to the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, to cause death, contrary to section 264.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code. Police said he also faces a separate charge of uttering threats to Jewish persons to cause death, also under section 264.1(1)(a). The RCMP described the three counts as arising from the same online activity under investigation.
In its release, the RCMP outlined federal policing responsibilities that include investigating offences tied to terrorism, espionage, cyber attacks, nuclear security risks, foreign influenced activities, and incidents involving the security of internationally protected persons. The force said it has a protective mandate that covers designated Canadians and select foreign diplomatic personnel in Canada under international obligations. “We recognize this is a time for increased vigilance,” the RCMP said.
Investigation ongoing, court process ahead
Under section 264.1 of the Criminal Code, a person commits an offence by knowingly uttering, conveying, or causing someone to receive a threat to cause death or bodily harm. The offence is classified as a hybrid matter, meaning it may be prosecuted by indictment or by summary conviction under Canadian law. Where the case proceeds by indictment for threats to cause death or bodily harm, the Criminal Code sets a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.
The RCMP said it will not provide further comment while the investigation remains ongoing and the case is before the courts. The force said non emergency tips related to national security can be directed to the RCMP National Security Information Network at 1-800-420-5805, while immediate threats should be reported by calling 911 or local police – By Content Syndication Services.