RCMP speak in Sask. community where 'QAnon queen' supporters are located
Saskatchewan RCMP spoke from a community hall in Richmound, Sask. Tuesday afternoon where they addressed the presence of a ‘QAnon queen’ group in the village.
The group, who are supporters of the self-proclaimed ‘queen of Canada’ Romana Didulo, have been staying at the now-privately owned village school since the middle of September after being forced out of Kamsack by local residents and First Nations.
The U.S.-based Anti-Defamation League describes Didulo as a "Canadian QAnon figure" who has called for "violent action" against those who help administer COVID-19 vaccines to kids.
Since the group’s arrival in the village about 445 kilometres west of Regina near the Alberta border, RCMP have been investigating threats that included claims that public executions would be taking place on those who opposed the group staying in the community.
RCMP district commander Tyler Bates told CTV News outside of the town hall that he was there to address community questions about a number of "ongoing investigations" concerning threats, assault and suspicious persons.
"With respect to the angst and the anxiety that local citizens were experiencing it was pertinent that we get on the ground and provide for some calm and security," said Bates.
Bates said he did not believe there was an imminent risk to the public.
Village resident Jennifer Smith said the presence of the cult-like group makes her uncomfortable.
"I moved here from Calgary, the busy city, because this is supposed to be a nice, quiet little village, and it's turning bad. I just want them to go somewhere else."
Christine Sarteschi, a criminologist at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, says people should take the threats seriously.
Sarteschi specializes in studying extremist groups, mass violence and "sovereign citizen" ideology.
She’s been following Didulo and her group for nearly two years, monitoring their actions and communications over Telegram.
To her knowledge, Didulo hasn’t personally hurt anyone, but her edicts are often violent, she says.
In August 2022, two men were taken into custody at a protest lead by Didulo in Peterborough, Ontario after Didulo directed them to attempt a citizen's arrest on police officers.
RCMP have now set up a mobile detachment in the village.
According to RCMP, the mobile detachment will be staffed 24 hours a day and seven days per week.
The RCMP mobile detachment in Richmound, Sask. (Gareth Dillistone / CTV News)
-- With files from Caitlin Brezinski and Drew Postey.
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