Police say they are reviewing video of the incident but the “initial investigation” found an interaction between officers and individuals at the site became “confrontational” after one officer was choked. Other officers then responded and four people were arrested. Army reservist James Topp, who was charged after criticizing vaccine mandates in uniform earlier this year, ended his cross-Canada march at the memorial on Thursday, with “freedom” demonstrators on hand to cheer him on.
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We are reviewing video and investigating the incident at the National War Memorial this evening. The initial investigation finds that an interaction with officers became confrontational and 1 officer was choked. Other officers immediately responded, 4 people were arrested
— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) July 1, 2022
There is a large police presence in downtown Ottawa in advance of planned demonstrations organized by “freedom” protesters on Canada Day. A picnic in Strathcona Park is scheduled for tomorrow followed by a march and dance party downtown.
City police have called in RCMP backup while the city has a “vehicle exclusion zone” in effect around Parliament Hill and Mayor Jim Watson has urged people to head downtown to celebrate Canada Day in person (for the first time since 2019) and not be intimidated or bullied by those who may try to disrupt the party.
On Wednesday night, Ottawa police say officers arrested a man who was causing a disturbance on Parliament Hill. The man, who was also wanted in Toronto on outstanding warrants, was being returned there for a court appearance.
Earlier on Thursday, police announced said they had arrested a second person for breaching their bail conditions to not enter Ottawa.
The person’s vehicle was also seized.
The arrest followed a what police described as an “operation” near Highway 417 and Anderson Road in the east end.
No further details were immediately available.
