Ottawa Police say they’ve set up fences in the city’s downtown to ensure the ground they gained over the last two days is not lost. As of Sunday morning, at least 191 people had been arrested since police began their operation to remove demonstrators from Ottawa’s downtown.
On Saturday evening, police began using mid-range impact weapons as some protesters allegedly assaulted police officers with weapons. Throughout the day Saturday, police could be seen dismantling tents and makeshift shelters as police continued to move in and arrest those occupying the streets downtown. No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported, although Ottawa media reports say at least 21 people have been taken to hospital since Friday with what are described as non-life threatening injuries.
As of Sunday morning, 57 vehicles had been towed away. Police also set up close to a hundred checkstops near the downtown Saturday to prevent any further demonstrators from joining the crowd. Police armed themselves with batons and helmets Saturday after demonstrators were abusive towards officers and horses on Friday. Ottawa’s interim Chief of Police, Steve Bell says they had little choice but to use greater force when dealing with the protesters in the nation’s capital Saturday.
A number of roads in Ottawa’s downtown remain closed Sunday morning. The O-Train is also not providing service to downtown as police continue their operations. One protester who was arrested is due in court Sunday. Ottawa Police say 44 year-old Tyson George Billings of High Prairie, Alberta is facing charges of Mischief, Counselling to Commit the Offence of Mischief, Counselling to Commit the Offence of Disobey Court Order, Obstruct Police and Counselling to Commit the Offence of Obstruct Police.
Ottawa Police say they will actively look to identify those involved in the unlawful protest and follow up with financial sanctions and criminal charges. Reports out of Ottawa also suggest police have seized 22 license plates and suspended 11 commercial vehicle operator registrations.
Meanwhile, the Federal government has announced a $20 million dollar investment to provide “non repayable contributions” to businesses in Ottawa that have suffered losses during the three-week long protest in the nation’s capital. The Liberal government says businesses impacted by the Freedom Convoy will be eligible for $10,000 dollars in federal funding to help cover operating costs.
We continue to maintain a police presence in and around the area the unlawful protest occupied. We are using fences to ensure the ground gained back is not lost. pic.twitter.com/DHhzyEYJKP
— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) February 20, 2022
(Photo from Twitter/Ottawa Police)
