CTV News reports:
Large numbers of police officers are moving in on protesters in downtown Ottawa and making arrests — including high profile organizers Tamara Lich, Chris Barber and Pat King — during an intense clash with the demonstrators who have so far refused to leave the area. Ottawa police say they have made 70 arrests as of Friday afternoon and towed at least 21 vehicles.
During a Friday afternoon press conference, Interim Ottawa Police Chief Steve Bell called the plan to move in on protesters “methodical” and well thought out, noting officers had control of the situation on the ground. “We will run this operation 24 hours a day until the residents and community have their city back,” Bell said. Bell says there was only one minor injury to an officer.
Read the full article.
Police make at least 70 arrests in Ottawa, say operation to run ’24 hours a day’ if needed https://t.co/u5krfEf1nB via @CTVNews
— National Newswatch (@natnewswatch) February 18, 2022
Protestors have put children between police operations and the unlawful protest site.
The children will be brought to a place of safety.
— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) February 18, 2022
Hundreds of police moved in to arrest protesters in Ottawa on Friday, hoping to end weeks of gridlock. Anticipation grew as demonstrators heard reports of police cruisers amassing nearby. “They’re going to corral us,” one man said.
Read the latest. https://t.co/Hi2cgG2eB6 pic.twitter.com/ym28EAY89u
— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 18, 2022
What you are seeing are Public Order Units in a line formation. Protestors are continuously being told to leave, or they face arrest.
You will see the line slowly moving forward to give people who want to leave the opportunity to do so.
#ottawa #ottnews pic.twitter.com/5hUo9NuuNi— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) February 18, 2022