A jury has commenced hearing evidence in the trial of two individuals, Anthony Olienick and Chris Carbert, who stand accused of conspiring to commit murder during the Coutts border protest in February 2022. The arrests of Olienick and Carbert followed the discovery of an arsenal of firearms and ammunition in trailers within the protest encampment.
In addition to the murder conspiracy charge, the defendants face allegations of mischief and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose. The prosecution’s opening statement is scheduled to follow the defendants’ formal entry of pleas. According to Crown prosecutors, they intend to present testimony from 23 witnesses, predominantly Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers.
The blockade in Coutts, part of nationwide protests against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, disrupted the bustling Canada-United States border crossing for over two weeks. The trial, which is estimated to conclude in mid-July, will delve into the circumstances surrounding the alleged conspiracy.
