Police northwest of Edmonton say they are investigating after three men were seen holding up what authorities are calling “racially motivated” signs by the side of the road Saturday.
Photos posted online by the mayor of St. Albert show the men — dressed in black and their faces covered — holding up signs that read “White Lives Matter” and “Deport Them All.”
Alberta RCMP told CityNews over the weekend officers were called to the St. Albert Centre along St. Albert Trail at 11:45 a.m. Saturday.
Mounties say no arrests were made and the individuals left the area after they were cautioned by police about creating a disturbance for drivers on the road.
Now St. Albert RCMP say they are investigating the incident, with help from the Alberta RCMP hate crimes coordinator.
“The Alberta RCMP firmly believes that everyone should feel safe, and be treated with equality and respect,” Mounties said in a news release Monday. “We are committed to ensuring everyone we serve can live in communities free from discrimination and bias, and we take any action that threatens the safety and security of others extremely seriously.”
In her Facebook post Saturday afternoon, St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron wrote: “This absolutely amazes me. This is not the St. Albert that I know and love.”
St. Albert RCMP are asking anyone with images or video of the signs or individuals to call police at 780-458-7700.