Chief says police caught off guard by Saskatoon protest

Saskatoon’s chief of police says not enough officers were sent to monitor protesters outside a Saskatchewan Party fundraiser Thursday.
 
“We knew there was going to be some protesters there and we had eight additional officers on scene. But, there was four different entrances and of course, our numbers weren’t sufficient,” Weighill said Monday morning on Gormley.
 
Demonstrators blocked access to Praireland Park at the main entrance off Ruth Street at Herman Avenue. Some protesters were filmed jumping on cars and trucks amid ugly exchanges with those attempting to get into the event.
 
There were also reports demonstrators were nearly mowed down by vehicles, and in once case, a protester claimed to have been punched in the face by a driver.  
 
Weighill said on Monday that the level of anger at the demonstration caught police off guard.
 
“We’re not used to this kind of a response politically in Saskatchewan. Usually, people are very peaceful — we don’t see this type of action,” he said.
 
Weighill said officers would be meeting Friday for a full debrief.
 
“Obviously, we’ve got something to learn,” he said.
 
Weighill said police were continuing to investigate reports from people claiming to have been victims of crime stemming from the demonstration.