Sask. man charged with uttering threats against Justin Trudeau on Facebook

Saskatchewan RCMP have charged a 41-year-old man, saying he made threats against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Facebook. 

Christopher Hayes was arrested Tuesday in the village of Grayson, Sask., located approximately 170 kilometres east of Regina.

He was charged with one count of uttering threats. Police seized several electronic items from the man's house. He was arrested without incident.

The incident was investigated by the RCMP's National Security Enforcement Section.

"We take all complaints of this nature (threats) very seriously," Supt. Rob Cameron said in a release. "No matter who the victim is or by what means the threat is conveyed, and investigate them to their fullest potential."

Police received a complaint against the posting on March 30, and received a second complaint on July 13.

RCMP said there was no direct contact between the accused and the prime minister. 

The prime minister's press secretary said the Prime Minister's Office does not comment on Trudeau's security. 

The accused made his first court appearance this morning in Yorkton provincial court and was released with an undertaking and on conditions that he not use Facebook to contact the prime minister.

Crown prosecutor Fred Fisher told CBC News the substance and seriousness of the threat was enough to call for a charge.

"I can tell you the police came to us, we discussed and thought it merited a charge based on the circumstances," Fisher said, adding specific details of the threat will come out in court. 

Hayes is expected to make his next court appearance on Aug. 8 in Melville provincial court.