Over 200 people gathered outside the Okotoks Provincial Courthouse Friday, March 9, in support of Edouard Maurice.

Maurice made his first appearance on charges of aggravated assault, pointing a firearm and careless use of a firearm, following an attempted robbery at his home near Okotoks back on Tuesday, February 24.

Travis Dunne, Co-organizer of the Justice 4 Eddie Rally, says he was happy to see so many people out.

"I'm extremely happy with the turnout and seeing people coming out here, because this is more than just about Eddie, this is about supporting our community and putting a stop to these criminals."

Rally Organizers George Clark and Cory Morgan address the crowd before the courthouse opened Friday morning.

Dunne says he'd like to see all charges against Maurice dismissed.

"Eddie is a great family guy, he lives for his kids, he lives for his wife, and he didn't go looking for any of this. Some criminals landed on his property doing harm to his property and endangering his family, and that's what started all of this."

A well behaved crowd showed their support for the embattled Okotoks area landowner.

Nigel Glover, who travelled from Airdrie to support Maurice shares this stance.

"I'd like to see Mr. Maurice acquitted. I'd like to see that somebody in the justice system would take the initiative to work on changing the laws, to make it a more balanced approach so law-abiding citizens are not drug through the process like this through really no fault of their own, they're just trying to defend themselves."

Glover says rural crime is an issue that spans further than the foothills, he believes the justice system is too easy on criminals, and too hard on law abiding individuals.

"Personally I think it's unfair to people who are defending their property, I think that the justice system is slanted improperly in the wrong direction. People should be able to enforce their property rights within the law of course, but it seems like the law is slanted against them. I don't believe he should be charged with anything, so we're just here to show our moral support."

People from as far as Medicine Hat and Airdrie were on hand to show their support for Eddie Maurice.

Maurice Lawyer asked the judge to reserve plea while they conduct discovery.

Maurice will be back in the same Okotoks courtroom Friday, April 6.