Canada police quickly push back COVID protesters

Police resumed pushing back protesters after arresting more than 100 and towing away vehicles in Canada’s besieged capital

OTTAWA, Ontario -- Police resumed pushing back protesters on Saturday after arresting more than 100 and towing away vehicles in Canada’s besieged capital, and scores of trucks left under the pressure, raising authorities’ hopes for an end to the three-week protest against the country’s COVID-19 restrictions.

Police in tactical gear quickly gained ground Saturday on the second full day of one of the biggest police enforcement actions in Canada’s history, with officers drawn from around the country. Authorities towed trucks overnight in the areas police had already taken in Ottawa's downtown core.

Authorities advanced to the front of the prime minister's office and almost in front of Parliament Hill which has been occupied by trucks and protesters since late last month. Some used pepper spray.

Ottawa police addressed the protesters in a tweet: “We told you to leave. We gave you time to leave. We were slow and methodical, yet you were assaultive and aggressive with officers and the horses. Based on your behavior, we are responding by including helmets and batons for our safety,”