Toronto sees massive Freedom Convoy protest packing city's downtown
As the Freedom Convoy moves loudly into its second week, cities across Canada are once again seeing large protests and demonstrations in support of the convoy.
Toronto is one of these places, with massive events and also a strong city and police response.
Our Rebels Tamara Ugolini, Efron Monsanto and “Mr. Producer” AD are on the scene this weekend covering the events.
After Ottawa released a warning this week about a heavy police presence and potential army involvement at any upcoming protests, Toronto Mayor John Tory also announced plans to prepare for a weekend of demonstrations.
I joined Chief @jamesramertps and Staff Superintendent Pogue to provide an update on the @TorontoPolice’s operational plans for this weekend.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 4, 2022
My full remarks here. pic.twitter.com/bcCYmdDqgZ
Tamara Ugolini reported this morning that Toronto police had indeed taken some extra measures, including blockading every vehicular access point to the protest area in Queen’s Park.
.@realmonsanto & I are here at Queen’s Park in Toronto reporting on the #FreedomConvoy2022 for @RebelNewsOnline@TPSOperations have blockaded every vehicular access point to prevent a blockade of every access point
— Tamara Ugolini 🇨🇦 (@TamaraUgo) February 5, 2022
Support our work & follow along @ https://t.co/1cSaEQ0Jeh
After claims (which Rebel News has yet to substantiate) that protesters were harassing health-care workers at previous protests this week, the City of Toronto also took extra measures to prevent protesters from blocking or impeding access to hospitals, and there was even a small counter-protest made up of health-care workers outside of one hospital.
Good morning! Here's our front page for Feb. 5, 2022, on Toronto Police vowing 'strict enforcement' to protect hospitals and emergency services ahead of the planned 'Convoy for Freedom' in downtown Toronto. https://t.co/xIm6wHyPKM pic.twitter.com/Adi5n6o6RY
— Toronto Sun (@TheTorontoSun) February 5, 2022
Getting ready for the #truckersconvoy, Toronto police have blocked University Ave as far south as Dundas to prevent trucks blaring horns from getting too close to hospitals. #onpoli pic.twitter.com/OuCaeUph87
— Rob Ferguson (@robferguson1) February 4, 2022
There is a large protest right in front of a Toronto hospital. But it’s the counter protesters, made up of healthcare workers and supporters pic.twitter.com/BvHACclR5g
— Lorenda Reddekopp (@CBCLorenda) February 5, 2022
At around noon, tensions heightened with protesters on foot trying to get through to Queen’s Park, which was being blocked by police.
Tensions grow in Toronto at the #FreedomConvoy2022 https://t.co/eHwQe3dc5g
— Tamara Ugolini 🇨🇦 (@TamaraUgo) February 5, 2022
Some tension here as big haul trucks advance. People cheer "let them through" as police barricades block the path to Queen’s Park pic.twitter.com/YJSEciz1Rc
— AD (@ADtheRebel) February 5, 2022
However this didn’t dampen the spirits of the freedom protesters — what better way to beat the tension than with some music, especially reggae? In an unexpected response, the crowd broke out into a dance to Bob Marley!
Tense situation between the #ConvoyForFreedom and Toronto police. People break out in a dance to Bob Marley.
— Efron Monsanto 🇨🇦 (@realmonsanto) February 5, 2022
Support our coverage at https://t.co/cTm6cKHpsA pic.twitter.com/6kkOdniFeD
Standoff pic.twitter.com/UJUxf6vSEY
— Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) February 5, 2022
There was one protest-related arrest reported by Toronto police at around 1:15 p.m. This was a 22-year-old man, arrested for assault with a weapon, administering a noxious substance (smoke bomb) and public mischief.
However, according to T Lee Humphrey, founder of Veterans for the Conservative Party of Canada, the police conveniently forgot to mention that the young man was actually attacking the convoy protesters by throwing a smoke grenade in the middle of a group of supporters! Rebel News is awaiting confirmation on this information.
Funny they don’t mention he was attacking the convoy protesters by throwing a smoke grenade in the middle of a group of convoy protest supporters! #yyz #TruckersConvoy2022 https://t.co/yJXKdWwyw6
— T Lee Humphrey (@tleehumphrey) February 5, 2022
The sounds of honking continue to be heard across the city, despite any efforts by police, counter-protesters or angry citizens to thwart the spirit of the protesters.
Here’s the fringe minority honking for freedom in Toronto https://t.co/jUMARsiCfa
— Tamara Ugolini 🇨🇦 (@TamaraUgo) February 5, 2022
Toronto people must really like their music and movement — there was even a friendly mosh pit at Bloor St. at one point mid-afternoon!
Mosh pit at Bloor & Ave. First time for everything. #freedomconvoy2022 pic.twitter.com/OXjsvSgk70
— Alex Pierson (@AlexpiersonAMP) February 5, 2022
The police mounted unit started patrolling Queen’s Park on horseback mid-afternoon also, and heavy policing followed and continues well into the late afternoon.
Toronto's Mounted unit is now patrolling Queens Park.https://t.co/cTm6cKHpsA pic.twitter.com/5rFXPVbwG8
— Efron Monsanto 🇨🇦 (@realmonsanto) February 5, 2022
Heavy policing throughout the peaceful #TruckersConvoy2022.
— Efron Monsanto 🇨🇦 (@realmonsanto) February 5, 2022
See our report coming soon https://t.co/cTm6cKHpsA pic.twitter.com/3QvTzXQXtD
That’s all for now — at least, at this location!
Rebel News 'reporters are covering protests in nine locations across Canada!
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