The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) remained out in force overnight and continue to manage crowds following Saturday’s COVID-19 mandate protest.
While the event remained peaceful, OPS said that they encountered several challenges with demonstrators, including sporadic road blockages by trucks, which officers worked to clear.
“These high-risk situations were de-escalated and resolved with no arrests,” police said in a release.
However, some events are continuing to be investigated.
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
“National monuments will be protected and should be respected by all,” OPS said in response to Saturday’s incidences. “Barricades are installed to block any vehicular access to the path in front of the National War Memorial.”
Police said that “resources are fully stretched and fully engaged” in the management of the protest and traffic and trying to maintain emergency lanes.
“For residents and businesses in the core, police are working to mitigate the impacts of the demonstration, such as gridlock and parked vehicles,” the OPS’s statement read.
Throughout the remainder of the day and into the evening, the focus will shift to traffic approaches that move crowds and vehicles out of the downtown core. This will require a significant number of police and city resources.
More info: https://t.co/ukKt1Yk0PC pic.twitter.com/aRckIHwE9A
— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) January 30, 2022
Police have asked that citizens stay out of the downtown core for the time being.
