The day after Gerald Stanley’s release from custody, Saskatchewan RCMP were prompted to issue a statement saying they were closely monitoring the situation related to the recent events in the Biggar area and that the safety and security of the people of this province remains their number one priority.
READ MORE: Gerald Stanley granted $10,000 bail after not-guilty plea in Colten Boushie shooting
The media release also contained another warning from police concerning comments being made on social media.
“As we have stated earlier, there have been comments made on social media that are concerning and could be criminal in nature. We are asking everyone to remain respectful in their online communication,” said the statement.
“We take all complaints very seriously and we encourage anyone with concerns to contact your local police service, local detachment, or call 310-RCMP. In emergency situations call 911. You can also call Crime Stoppers if you wish to remain anonymous.”
The statement issued Saturday, came nearly a week-and-a-half after a fatal shooting on a farmyard outside of Biggar that claimed the life of Colten Boushie, 22, of Red Pheasant First Nation on Aug. 9.
Any evidence before the court during 54-year-old Gerald Stanley’s second appearance in North Battleford on Thursday has been protected by a publication ban. He has since been released from custody and faces a second-degree murder charge.
WATCH: Gerald Stanley pleads not guilty as hundreds rally for Colten Boushie
At this point, only a handful of people actually know what took place that day but that hasn’t stopped opinions or comments on social media from pouring in.
“It’s not freedom of speech when it’s evil, when it prompts hatred, when it prompts violence,” said Winona Wheeler, an associate professor of indigenous studies at the University of Saskatchewan.
READ MORE: Sask. RCMP say online comments about Colten Boushie shooting could be criminal
Wheeler says what is most disturbing about some of the comments is the depth of some hatred that is being expressed.
“Maybe some farmers have not had great relationships with aboriginal people in their areas but that doesn’t mean every aboriginal person is evil,” Wheeler said.
WATCH: Hate speech vs. free speech: A look at the distinction between the two
This will mark the second time since Boushie’s death that RCMP have had to issue a statement asking the people of Saskatchewan to remain respectful on social media.
“That’s two warnings, I mean how many warnings do they think they need before they can actually go out and act on it?” Wheeler questioned.
“If they’re serious they will lay charges.”
Wheeler says if RCMP need to make an example out of someone – Ben Kautz, a councillor with the rural municipality of Browning – should be the first after making this social media post in the wake of Boushie’s death.
“Not only was it immoral, it was criminal,” Wheeler said.
READ MORE: Saskatchewan councillor regrets online post about killing of Colten Boushie: wife
In a statement to Global News, RCMP said they could confirm that there are ongoing investigations in relation to concerns about social media comments.
“No charges have been laid at this time and the details of these investigations will not be released. We can’t speculate on what charges or if charges will be laid.”
Making it a good time perhaps for keyboard warriors to step away from it all.
“Maybe this is an opportunity for people to look in the mirror and say why do I think this way and is there a better way to deal with this interracial problem,” Wheeler said.
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