Thread by @Diana_C_McNally

It's happening today: #encampment eviction. Members of the public: residents have not requested defence. Watch this space for now, but stay home.

Clearly dozens of officers and security already, plus kettling fences, eight horses. Not a response to "protestors," as @JohnTory might claim.

So far two arrests. Otherwise fairly quiet, as far as state violence can be.

Surveillance camera stationed above the ""HCH" sign, across the street from the park on Bathurst. Apparently went in at least a week ago.

Arrest of a resident in progress.

Entire park is fenced off, same tactic as last time: it's not a 'kettling' exercise if you create an exit. Currently only one visible toilet.

"Support."

"Respond, if needed."

Again, dozens of police, 20 - 40 residents. How much does this operation cost?

Why are dozens of cops necessary to support City staff? Or 8 horse-mounted officers?

🚨UPDATE🚨 Come bear witness to #encampment evictions at Alexandra Park. Will also be speaking alongside @DesmondCole, members of @HPAP_Ontario, performance by @cadenceweapon. Details, location TBD, but nearby.

From legal observers: police, security are planning to force out all non-residents, or charge with trespass. No timelines given. Non-resident volunteers aren't here to protest, they're here to support people packing and moving their belongings.

Volunteers are being grabbed and removed from the kettling cage for "getting too close" to police.

Volunteers being thrown out of the kettling cage. How will residents inside be supported to move? Will they be in there alone with police and security?

Residents with their belongings outside the cage. Where are city staff helping them to move? None in sight, only community members and other volunteers here.

My apologies, here comes the "help" for folks being displaced: a garbage truck. Again, no social workers in sight.

Hearing some volunteers were cuffed while being removed from the park. Cuffs taken off once outside the cage, though. At least two volunteers issued tickets for trespassing, comes with $65 fine, 90-day ban from the park.

Meanwhile, at @cityoftoronto comms ...

I'll be on @globalnewsto with @KWardTV at noon speaking to what I'm seeing here today. In short? That @JohnTory chose a paramilitary response over a #HumanRights compliant approach to #encampments.

Now @cityoftoronto is denying the press access. Freedom of the press is essential. Shame on @JohnTory @bradrossTO

Setting up. Come down to Ryerson and Queen St., we'll start at 11 am.

@DesmondCole speaking now. "This is not compassion."

Thank you, Sam, for your words. 🙏

@TommyTaylorTO speaking the truth.

@cadenceweapon and my good friend Swannie live now.

More @cadenceweapon 🙏🖤

Dreads is speaking about the "homelessness industry" -- it serves the purposes of the powers-that-be to keep people unhoused to keep the industry going.

Thank you, Nanook, Isaiah, and Nichole. 🙏

The aftermath: a bulldozer in the background, only a few residents left inside. "No Trespass" signage is prominently displayed. What an absolute waste, and an egregious choice by @JohnTory today.

If you can, get out to @TPS52Div. We want to see our friend @Gruesomebrat released.