Saskatchewan RCMP detained 16 adults, including leader Romana Didulo, in Richmound village after a firearms inquiry. The arrest occurred following a search warrant execution at a decommissioned school in Richmound early in the morning. Didulo and her group have resided in the village for two years, situated about 365 kilometers west of Regina near the Alberta border.
The investigation stemmed from a report on August 25 regarding an occupant possessing a firearm in the building. Insp. Ashley St. Germaine mentioned that a team of seasoned officers managed the complex operation, with over 30 police vehicles, including tactical units, present at the scene.
A live video shared by Didulo on Telegram showed officers arresting her at 5:51 a.m. All 16 arrests were completed by 6 a.m., with ongoing investigations and interviews being conducted. No charges have been filed yet, and Richmound’s council deferred comments to the RCMP.
A Richmound resident, Vanessa Johnson, expressed relief at the arrests, stating that the community had felt anxious and frustrated. Didulo and her followers, believing she is the “Queen of Canada,” have resided in the former school for two years. The group, initially part of the Q-Anon movement, has evolved into a sovereign citizen movement, rejecting laws and vaccination.
Didulo’s followers, attracted by her unconventional claims, have disrupted local residents, leading to tensions and legal issues. Rick Manz, a follower charged earlier, highlighted the community’s challenges. The situation has affected public services, prompting caution and concern among residents.
