The Lloydminster RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) has arrested a 38-year-old Lloydminster man for willful promotion of hatred. Among the seized items was a flag or banner featuring a swastika.

RCMP say officers executed a search warrant at a home in Lloydminster as part of an investigation into threats of violence directed at identifiable groups of people.

During the search police also seized multiple firearms. John Charles Reid is charged with unauthorized possession of firearms, unsafe storage of firearms, and willful promotion of hatred.

RCMP say the investigation remains ongoing.  In a news release Acting Operations NCO, Lloydminster RCMP, Sergeant Christopher Byford said, “We take any form of hate-motivated communication or violence-related behaviour seriously.”