Winnipeg man charged with uttering death threats to PM, Jewish, Muslim communities

A Winnipeg man has been charged for making threats toward Prime Minister Mark Carney and inciting hate toward Muslim and Jewish communities, police say.

The RCMP federal policing division announced Monday it has charged Jason Paul Rindall, 55, with three counts of threats to cause death or bodily harm after it launched an investigation into the remarks in January.

The RCMP’s security enforcement section in Manitoba says an account on X posted threats targeting Carney and the Jewish and Muslim communities, a Monday news release stated.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

The federal policing unit investigates crimes related to terrorism, espionage and cyberattacks, among others.

Threats made against politicians have seen a sharp increase in recent years. Documents released by the Privy Council Office in 2025 show there were 311 threats against the prime minister and cabinet recorded in 2024. That was up from 236 in 2023 and 91 in 2022.

Social media platforms give people an avenue to express their views and online algorithms can perpetuate the cycle, a political expert said.

Christopher Adams, an adjunct professor of political science at the University of Manitoba, believes there are more eyes on social media these days, with requests for platforms to be accountable when threatening posts appear. He expects to see more prosecution of those who make threats against elected officials.

While much of what is posted on social media could be considered free speech, the line is crossed when someone threatens the rights and livelihood of another person, the professor said.

“I would say this is just part of the overall increase in racism and hatred towards certain groups, as well as to political leaders,” Adams said.

In 2024, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme asked the federal government to consider creating legislation that would make it easier for police to charge those who threaten elected officials.

Noris Zeid, a member of the board of directors at the Manitoba Islamic Association, said Monday he was made aware of the threats before charges were publicly announced. Zeid did not disclose what, if any, security upgrades the Association’s grand mosque put in place as a result, but said religious groups have been dealing with increased threats in recent years.

“I would say this is just part of the overall increase in racism and hatred towards certain groups, as well as to political leaders.”

The number of police-reported hate crimes targeting religious groups has nearly tripled since 2020, data from Statistics Canada shows. There were 1,342 hate crimes motivated by religion reported in 2024, up from 530 in 2020.

Zeid said he was unaware of a specific threat made against the Muslim community, but said the association and its members would not be deterred from practising their religion freely.

“We’re tough, and you know, there’s lots of these people around. They’re blowing smoke,” Zeid said. “On the internet these guys grow muscles, and they’re lacking something. There’s something wrong in their life, and they just need some help.”

Adam Levy, a spokesperson for the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, welcomed the fact that there have been charges laid.

In an email, Levy said the Jewish community has seen a sharp rise in threats and harassment in recent years.

“Accountability matters. Clear consequences send a message that antisemitism and all forms of hate will not be tolerated. And where conduct meets the threshold of criminality, prosecution is appropriate,” Levy said.

“These laws exist for a reason: they protect all Canadians from intimidation and violence and help reassure communities like ours that their safety is taken seriously.”

In October, the federal government tabled Bill C-9, also known as the Combatting Hate Act, which would criminalize intimidation and obstruction around certain locations like religious institutions. It would also introduce new hate-related offences, including one banning the public display of terrorist or hate symbols.

“These laws exist for a reason: they protect all Canadians from intimidation and violence.”

In January, the Manitoba government launched a $1-million security enhancement fund for religious and cultural institutions struggling with vandalism and threats of violence.

Rindall was arrested on Feb. 13 and remains in custody. His next scheduled court date is March 13.

Court records show Rindall has two prior assault charges dating back to 2008 and 2012.

— with files from The Canadian Press

nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca