James Bauder, a key organizer of the 2022 “Freedom Convoy” protest in Ottawa, is now subject to a Canada-wide warrant. This follows his failure to appear in court last week. Bauder, 55, from Calgary, faces multiple charges, including mischief to obstruct property, disobeying a lawful court order, and obstructing or restricting a peace officer. These charges were filed against him in February 2022.

Bauder is the founder of Canada Unity, an organization that sought to end vaccine mandates and other regulations deemed discriminatory. The group also initiated a petition calling for a cease and desist order against elected officials.

In a recent update on his social media, Bauder indicated that he fled to the United States earlier this summer. He submitted an application for asylum on August 5, claiming political persecution. As of August 31, his fundraising campaign on GiveSendGo has raised $13,040 to cover his legal expenses.