By: Thomas I. Likness
Eagle News Service
(Eagle News) — The Canadian Armed Forces may be called in to end the six-day-old Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa the city’s police chief said Thursday.
“We’re looking at every single option, including military aid to civil power,” said police chief Peter Sloly. “That option in particular will come with massive risks.”
“It is not a decision to be taken lightly,” he said.
But Sloly is also unsure police can handle the situation on their own.
“The longer this goes on, the more I’m convinced there may not be a police solution to this demonstration,” Sloly told members of Ottawa city council. “Let me be clear, all such options come with significant risks — risks to rioting, risks to injury and risk to death.”
City in chaos
Unruly demonstrators have been roaming Ottawa streets since last Saturday, creating chaos for people living near the downtown core.
Fireworks, loud music and horns keep people awake all night. There are reports of vandalism.
Several businesses closed their doors after staff members were harassed by protesters refusing to follow public health measures.
The protesters say this will continue until they get what they want — an end to public health restrictions.
The number of demonstrators has been substantially reduced since last weekend, but the contingent that remains is dangerous, said deputy police chief Steve Bell.
“We know that there remain many unlawful demonstrators that are highly determined and highly volatile within our city,” he said. “Many of the organizers and the people present have state a purpose to incite violence and spread hatred.”
“These demonstrations present a serious and ongoing risk to public safety,” said Bell.
Bell says police intelligence sources indicate more demonstrators are expected to arrive Saturday.
Fundraiser put on pause
What is more worrisome is the involvement of people from outside of Canada.
“We are now aware of a significant element from the United States that have been involved in the funding, the organizing and the demonstrating,” Sloly noted.
More than CA$10 million has been raised for the protest in a GoFundMe campaign.
GoFundMe has paused and is reviewing the fundraiser to ensure it complies with its terms of service, and laws and regulations.
GoFundMe’s terms of service say that funds cannot be used or raised for the purpose of breaking the law, or in support of hate, violence, harassment, bullying or intolerance of any kind relating to race, ethnicity, or national origin.
(Eagle News Service)