RICHMOUND – No charges have been laid following a large-scale police operation at a decommissioned school in Richmound early Wednesday morning.
At about 4:30 a.m. on Sept. 3, RCMP officers executed a search warrant at the privately-owned property, which has been occupied by Romana Didulo, self-proclaimed "Queen of Canada", and her QAnon followers for nearly two years. The warrant was obtained after police received a report on Aug. 25 that someone inside the building was in possession of a firearm.
Police arrested 16 adults. Ten individuals were arrested inside the building, five were arrested in the RVs and one was arrested outside a residence in Richmound.
The scene was released following the completion of a search by police officers.
During the search of the property, officers located and seized 13 imitation semi-automatic handguns, ammunition, as well as a large number of electronic devices.
The evidence collected is currently being examined by investigators.
The 16 arrested individuals were released from police custody. Two individuals – an adult female and an adult male – have since been rearrested. The investigation continues.
No charges have been formally laid against any of the arrested individuals at this time. RCMP say they are unable to provide further details.
The abandoned school was occupied by Didulo, a QAnon conspiracy leader from the Philippines, and her supporters.
“Romana Didulo is a Canadian QAnon figure who falsely claims to be the ‘Queen of Canada,’” said a report from the Anti-Defamation League.
She had called for violent action against people administrating COVID-19 vaccines to children. Didulo has issued ‘decrees’ cancelling various debts and outlawing government actions. She also encouraged her followers to use psuedo-legal documents to avoid paying debts, leading to some followers having their water or electricity shutoff or put at risk of losing their homes.
