Four charged with conspiracy to commit murder after weapons seized at Coutts border blockade

The RCMP have charged four people who were arrested at the Coutts, Alta., border blockade with conspiracy to commit murder.

Three men in their 40s and one in his 30s were all charged with conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, and mischief over $5,000. One of the men was also charged with uttering threats.

Nine others were charged with possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose and mischief over $5,000.

“Through leveraging our vast networks of intelligence, we became aware of a serious threat to public and officer safety in the form of a heavily armed group among the protesters,” Chief Supt. Trevor Daroux said.

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RCMP arrested the 13 people Monday morning when it was discovered they had a stockpile of guns and ammunition.

“I can tell you that this threat was very serious,” said Daroux.

Daroux says police became aware of the armed group among the protesters a few days into the demonstration and took immediate action.

“We are continuing with our investigations associated to this and other events that took place at blockades,” he said.

Protesters voluntarily left the blockade Tuesday morning after holding a demonstration at the border for 18 days.

RCMP will remain in the Coutts area until they are confident the situation has been resolved.

Deputy commissioner Curtis Zablocki also addressed the video circulating online showing officers hugging and shaking the hands of protesters.

“We’ll be looking further into this matter and taking any necessary steps,” said Zablocki.