Ottawa police have begun investigating desecration of public monuments, threats, and damage to a city vehicle.
The investigations are related to the Freedom Convoy protest, which is blocking traffic in the capital for the second day.
Several criminal investigations are underway in relation to the desecration of the National War Memorial/Terry Fox statue, threatening/illegal/intimidating behaviour to police/city workers and other individuals and damage to a city vehicle. 1/2
— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) January 30, 2022
It’s unclear now how much longer the protest will last. Events had only been scheduled for this weekend, but the loose organization of the protest means groups are operating more or less independently.
Police are asking for anyone who witnessed a crime to report it.
Update 8 a.m. Sunday
Outrage is roiling online amid the second day of Freedom Convoy protests in the nation’s capital.
On Saturday, some protestors parked on the lawn of the Parliament Hill Cenotaph, they moved after being asked by police.
More were seen climbing on the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
Others vandalized a statue of Terry Fox, covering it is protest regalia.
There are some lines you don’t cross. pic.twitter.com/yG9Mg2k46v
— Mackay Taggart (@mackaytaggart) January 29, 2022
Ottawa’s Mayor quickly ordered the costume removed.
Police estimate about 1000 trucks of various types, as well as thousands of protestors, arrived in the city Saturday.
So far, the protests have not been violent, and many members of the protest, and organizers, are urging against violence.
Demonstrations are set to continue through Sunday.
Many trucks from the Freedom Convoy 2022 protest blocking access to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, snarling streets and making noise.
Thousands are expected to be there Saturday and Sunday.
The first contingent lined Wellington Street late Friday and in many videos posted to social media the sound of honking horns was deafening.
Canada’s trucker convoy has arrived near Parliament Hill, Ottawa.
Go Canada
pic.twitter.com/LfORNupsCT
— Char
(@Birdybabe07) January 29, 2022
The protest had started as one against vaccine requirements for cross-border truckers, but its message has muddied with broader anti-lockdown, anti-vax, antigovernment and anti-media sentiments as it closed on Parliament Hill.
It’s expected to last at least through the weekend.
Police are on high alert. They’ve issued traffic warnings for most of Ottawa.
“Residents and visitors can expect to see a large police and emergency services presence in the Downtown core and on major highways and roads. Traffic delays and congestion will occur and may occur on a large scale.
Police and the City of Ottawa will keep the public informed on city-wide traffic and transit.
We ask that members of the public avoid unnecessary travel, especially in the downtown core, this weekend, if possible. If you do travel, plan ahead and expect significant delays,” – Ottawa Police
The say they expect major traffic safety issues as more and more protest vehicles come into the city.
Meantime, CBC is reporting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been relocated from Rideau Cottage due to security concerns.
Trudeau is isolating after his son tested positive for COVID-19 and according to his office he is working remotely in the “National Capital Region”.
OTTAWA – A “few” truckers with “unacceptable opinions” now lead the world in the fight to end discrimination and division.
It’s time
#TruckersForFreedom2022 #TruckerforFreedom pic.twitter.com/IiUSX4frJ5
— Bernie's Tweets (@BernieSpofforth) January 29, 2022
