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Toronto police say they arrested eight people and 29 charges were laid at a demonstration downtown Saturday.
In a news release Sunday, the Toronto Police Service said its officers attended a demonstration at Nathan Phillips Square, located in the area of Queen Street W. and Bay Street, at around 2 p.m.
Dozens gathered at Nathan Phillips Square Saturday to protest mass immigration, prompting a counter-protest and a news conference with city councillors and opposing groups.
Ahead of the anti-immigration rally, Coun. Neethan Shan (Scarborough-Rouge Park) and Coun. Paula Fletcher (Toronto-Danforth) joined groups such as the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Urban Alliance on Race Relations to denounce racism and xenophobia, the Toronto & York Region Labour Council said in a news release.
The anti-immigration rally also prompted a counter-protest by Community Solidarity Toronto, which focused on reducing hate in the city.
Toronto police said officers provided direction to attendees in an effort to keep the peace, but attendees caused disturbances, assaulted other participants, became combative and ultimately assaulted police officers.
In a post to social media, Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw said he wanted to thank officers who were on the front line during Saturday’s demonstrations.
“This kind of violence against police officers, or anyone, is unacceptable — full stop,” he said. “Our officers are there to keep people safe, and they deserve to do their jobs without being attacked.”
Demkiw added that everyone should respect the law.
“As we have said many times, when officers have lawful grounds to do so, arrests will be made and charges laid — anywhere in the city, whether involving protesters or counter-protesters,” he said.
In a post to social media Saturday afternoon, Toronto police originally said a total of 11 arrests were made at a demonstration at Queen Street W. and Bay Street. In an update to social media, Toronto police said a total of nine arrests were made.
Upon further investigation, one person was released with no charges, Toronto police said in Sunday’s release.
Those charged range in age from 23 to 50. One person from Milton and one person from Ottawa, Ont., are scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre. The other six charged, of Toronto, are set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice.
Charges laid range from assault to a peace officer with a weapon, throwing an explosive at a person with intent to cause bodily harm and carrying a concealed weapon. Some were also charged with theft, mischief and assault.
In a post to social media, the Toronto Police Association (TPA), which represents approximately 8000 civilians and uniform officers, said the situation was “volatile” and the behaviour of some demonstrators was “unacceptable” and “disgusting.”
“While trying to keep the situation safe for everyone, our members were pelted with eggs, used toilet paper, and plastic bags filled with what appeared to be urine,” the TPA said. “One police officer was punched.”
Toronto police told CBC Toronto Sunday that approximately 200 to 300 people were in attendance at the demonstrations at Queen Street W. and Bay Street.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto police.
