Interim police chief provides update on Ottawa protests

Ottawa’s interim police chief said good progress was made at removing the “unlawful protest” in the nation’s capital Saturday.

During a press conference held in the afternoon, Steve Bell told media that police have been “upfront and clear” at every step with protesters, advising them of impending enforcement for them to make informed decisions.

That has been followed, Bell said, with “deliberate and methodical operation using lawful and safe tactics.”

Bell described the situation Saturday on the ground in Ottawa’s downtown.

He said some protesters have been aggressive with officers, resulting in the need for police to use horses.

On Saturday morning, helmets and batons were added to police equipment for officer’s safety.

The interim chief said units were sweeping the downtown core east to west to remove protesters, who continued to offer resistance.

At one point, Bell said a protester lit a flare. Police used pepper spray on Saturday to disperse demonstrators that Bell said were unlawful and “resisting police orders.

“Sadly, we again saw young children being brought, again, to the unlawful demonstration and to the front of our police operation,” Bell said.

“This is dangerous and is putting young children at risk.”

He also indicated that several criminal investigations are ongoing pertaining to the seizure of weapons from demonstrators.

Bell commended officers providing enforcement on the ground for their “patience and professionalism,” adding that their training and experience has been needed during the past few days.

“At every step, they faced a barrage of resistance, shoving and vitriol,” Bell said.

When asked about the force used by officers against some protesters, which has appeared in videos posted online to be aggressive, Bell shared that mechanisms will be used to review arrests.

“We will absolutely be involved in reviewing arrests to make sure that the lawful amount of force was used as we executed our mission,” he said.

However, he said police have been clear over the past several weeks that as escalation continues with the demonstration, tactics by police would also escalate, which was seen Saturday.

“It is, to this point, going exactly as we had anticipated,” Bell said.

“We are approaching areas, our members are taking control of areas and then we’re bringing in crews behind us to remove vehicles, remediate any of the conditions … the damage the protesters may have done.”

He said they are also working to repair damages and restore streets for Ottawa residents. However, he cannot commit to any specific time the enforcement will be complete and the demonstrations will be over in the city.

“We are in this until it is over,” Bell said. “You have our commitment that we are here until the very end.

“We will continue with our mission until it is complete.

In a message to the protesters, Bell said: “I implore all the protesters who remain there: Go home. This occupation is now over.”