191 arrests later, Ottawa police pushing to end 'Freedom Convoy' protest
CTV
With 191 people arrested in recent days, police continue to push protesters out of downtown Ottawa today following weeks of demonstrations that have paralyzed the city's core.
Officers took a more aggressive approach to "Freedom Convoy" demonstrators on Saturday, carrying batons, wearing helmets, using pepper spray, and deploying the Anti-Riot Weapon ENfield (ARWEN) after demonstrators allegedly assaulted police with weapons.
Police also have accused protesters of launching gas, with officers arresting some with smoke grenades, fireworks and body armour.
As of Sunday morning, Ottawa police say they have made 191 total arrests and towed 57 vehicles.
The escalation in enforcement marks the fourth straight weekend of demonstrations in the nation's capital, where protesters have called for an end to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and pandemic restrictions, and in some cases, for a new government to be installed.
