Andrew Marshall, 61, faces charges after making threats against PM Trudeau and Deputy PM Freeland on TikTok. Bail granted with restrictions.
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| Toronto man charged with threatening PM Trudeau and Deputy PM Freeland via TikTok. Court grants bail under strict conditions. Symbolic Image |
Toronto, Canada - September 7, 2024:
A Toronto man has been charged after posting a video on TikTok in which he threatened Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Andrew Marshall, 61, is facing two counts of uttering threats after the video, posted earlier this week, gained the attention of law enforcement. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) charged him on Wednesday, and he was granted bail on Friday, with strict conditions imposed.
In the video, which has been reviewed by CBC Toronto, Marshall expresses frustration over what he believes are limits on freedom of speech in Canada. He complains that his videos and comments are frequently taken down from social media platforms, which he claims is an example of censorship. “I make videos — or all my comments, that are just simple comments — but I get them taken down all the time,” Marshall says in the nearly 11-minute video. His remarks then escalate into detailed threats of violence against both Trudeau and Freeland, stating he would kill them if given the opportunity.
Beyond these direct threats, Marshall’s TikTok includes inflammatory language disparaging various groups, including migrants, Muslims, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and the media. He also criticizes police officers who, in his view, protect the government instead of the people.
As part of his bail conditions, Marshall is prohibited from having any contact with Trudeau and Freeland. Additionally, he is barred from using the internet to post or comment on social media and is not allowed to possess weapons or apply for a firearms license. A publication ban on evidence presented during the bail hearing has been imposed by the Ontario Court of Justice, which is standard procedure in such cases.
Marshall’s lawyer, Nate Jackson, emphasized his client’s right to freedom of speech, reasonable bail, and a fair trial. In a statement, Jackson noted, “Having secured his release from custody, we will continue to defend Mr. Marshall's Charter rights as his case proceeds.”
Both Trudeau’s and Freeland’s offices have declined to comment on the charges. This case comes amid growing concern over the rise of online threats directed at Canadian politicians, with several other high-profile cases involving similar threats making headlines in recent months.
As the case progresses, it will likely continue to fuel discussions about the balance between free speech and the need to protect public figures from harm.