Lethbridge, Canada – In a tense courtroom atmosphere, Chris Carbert, who was arrested for bringing guns and body armor to a politically charged blockade in Coutts, emphatically denied any intention of violence against police officers. The blockade, a protest against COVID-19 restrictions, had significantly disrupted traffic at the U.S.-Alberta border for two weeks in early 2022.
Carbert, speaking during his trial in the Court of King’s Bench, responded to his lawyer’s inquiries by distancing himself from any violent plots. “There was no plan,” he asserted, explaining his presence at the blockade as a stand against mandatory vaccinations for truckers, which he hoped would be abolished.
When pressed by his lawyer, Katherin Beyak, about the potential for violence, Carbert conceded that the situation could have escalated. “Likely in violence,” he admitted, indicating his preparedness by bringing weapons and specially modified body armor. He characterized the gear as multipurpose, suitable for hunting or as a last resort for self-defense in extreme scenarios.
During the exchanges in court, Carbert relived a poignant moment, sharing an alarming text he sent to his mother during the standoff. He texted, “Mom, I am fine. If they start the violence, I am just telling you there will be war and casualties of war.” This message reflected the high tensions and his resolve not to retreat until the mandates were lifted.
The present charges against Carbert and his co-defendant, Anthony Olienick, include conspiring to murder police officers, mischief, and possessing weapons for a dangerous purpose. Olienick, facing additional charges related to the possession of a pipe bomb, has similarly denied targeting police.
The prosecution has built a serious case against the duo, pointing to the discovery of weapons, body armor, and ammunition in trailers near the blockade site, which bore Carbert’s firearms license. Further investigations led to the uncovering of more arms and explosive materials at Olienick’s residence.
Testimonies from undercover officers revealed Olienick’s purported view of the blockade as the “mission of a lifetime,” with declared intentions to confront any police interference ferociously.
However, in a video shown during the trial, Olienick depicted a different fear — a possible invasion by United Nations troops or Chinese communists, rather than a direct assault on local law enforcement.
The trial is set to continue with the prosecution expected to cross-examine Carbert, aiming to unravel the extent of the defendants’ preparedness for violence and their motivations.
As the court adjourned until Tuesday, the community and observers are left weighing the defendants’ claims of defensive posture against the prosecution’s portrayal of a calculated threat to peace and order at the border. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications on how protests are policed and the measures protesters take in future demonstrations concerning public health measures.