URGENT UPDATE: In a dramatic police operation, authorities have raided the compound of a QAnon-inspired cult in Richmound, Saskatchewan, arresting 17 individuals as of October 11, 2023. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) executed the raid at a building where the group, known as “The Kingdom of Canada,” had been residing for approximately two years.
The operation was prompted by reports of a person at the location possessing a firearm, according to RCMP officials. Video footage from a Telegram channel linked to cult leader Romana Didulo captured the moment police entered the premises, with officers instructing her to “leave the phone down” before placing her under arrest. Four replica handguns were seized during the operation, indicating potential threats to public safety.
Inspector Ashley St. Germaine of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Major Crimes Branch addressed the media, stating, “After receiving this report, Saskatchewan RCMP began an extensive investigation.” She emphasized the careful monitoring of community safety leading up to the raid.
Didulo, who controversially refers to herself as the “Queen of Canada,” has espoused a variety of bizarre and alarming beliefs, including claims that her followers no longer need to pay debts or taxes. Her rhetoric has escalated to threats against government officials, reportedly vowing to “publicly execute” those she deems adversaries.
The group, which has connections to the broader QAnon movement, has increasingly adopted the principles of the sovereign citizen ideology. Christine Sarteschi, a cult expert and professor at Chatham University, noted that Didulo positions herself as the “ultimate authority,” asserting control under “natural law.”
The impact of this raid reverberates beyond the small village of Richmound, as it highlights the persistent influence of extremist groups in Canada. This operation is a crucial step in addressing potential threats posed by such organizations, which have gained notoriety for fostering anti-government sentiments and conspiracy theories.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to ensure the safety of the community and to understand the full extent of the group’s activities. Residents of Richmound are left grappling with the implications of this cult’s presence and the shocking revelations surrounding its leader.
Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge regarding this significant event and its implications for public safety in Canada.