Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Mounties in Chilliwack say they've arrested a person after receiving reports last month that a social media user made posts containing discriminatory, harmful language.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack RCMP investigation

Chilliwack RCMP investigate racially offensive social media posts from B.C. woman

Aug 17, 2024 | 9:40 AM

CHILLIWACK — Mounties in Chilliwack say they’ve arrested a person after receiving reports last month that a social media user made posts containing discriminatory, harmful language.

In a news release Saturday morning (Aug. 17), Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson Corporal Carmen Kiener said police became aware of the X/Twitter posts on July 17, 2024. After Chilliwack RCMP members consulted with the B.C. Hate Crimes Unit, coupled with tips and evidence from the public, the Chilliwack RCMP General Investigative Support Team was able to identify the suspected user of the X/Twitter account.

Fraser Valley Today is aware of the likely identity of the arrested person. The alleged suspect told the host of a U.S.-based radio podcast on Rumble that she was arrested on August 7, the same date provided by Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Kiener, when she voluntarily went down to the Chilliwack RCMP. The suspect reports being interrogated for approximately 30 minutes during a visit to the RCMP detachment that lasted approximately 2 1/2 hours, including being brought into some kind of room or cell at the detachment. When police asked about specific posts on X/Twitter, the suspect said “no comment” several times. The alleged suspect told the host of the Rumble podcast she would be seeking a civil rights lawyer. The suspect has also reportedly set up an online fundraiser, similar to GoFundMe, seeking donations from people. As of Saturday morning, August 17, the online fundraising appeal has recorded nearly $2,000 in donations.

The charges against the suspect have not been proven in court.

Cpl. Kiener says this individual, whose gender, age and name were not revealed, was arrested on Wednesday, August 7 and subsequently released from police custody to appear in court at a later date on “several” recommended Criminal Code offences.

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“The name of the individual will not be released at this time as charges are still pending,” Cpl. Kiener said. “This is a sensitive matter that has impacted many members of our community which is evident in the amount of information that continues to be reported to the Chilliwack RCMP. We appreciate all the information that has been received as we continue to follow up on all tips received by the public as this investigation continues.”

Mounties say they take hate crimes very seriously and encourage all victims of hate to report these incidents to the police or community leaders so the appropriate steps can be taken to address the needs of the victim and take action against the offender.