Thread by @judyatrinh

As truckers and protestors arrive in Ottawa they will have to contend with -32 windchill and scarce washroom resources. Only 15 portapotties provided by city!
cbc.ca/news/canada/ot…

Police and security agencies in Ottawa say there could be as many as 10,000 protestors gathering on Parliament Hill for Freedom Convoy rally. This is only an ESTIMATE, and may not materialize. There is a Extreme Cold warning.

Among the disruptions that are occurring..there was supposed to an interfaith vigil in downtown Ottawa to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the Quebec City Mosque Shooting. That event has now been moved online because of fear of violence.

Current screenshot from Parliament Hill LIVE cam -12:12 PM, January 29, 2022. Police planned for a working estimate of 10,000 demonstrators for Freedom Convoy. Not sure what the final count will be.

Here is the latest so far on the protest that's happening on Parliament Hill. We'll keep updating as day progresses.
cbc.ca/news/politics/…

Ottawa Police media relations Cst. Amy Gagnon says they're aware of anti-maskers harassing/threatening staff at businesses like the one below. But have no official reports. Gagnon urges public to file complaints with OPS so they can investigate

https://twitter.com/2009jenns/status/1487451293727830022?s=20&t=D5melZyozz08UdUOiaf_jA

Cst. Amy Gagnon of @OttawaPolice says some protestors are still on their way into the city. Police won't have better crowd/vehicle estimates until this evening. But says OPS is in touch w/leaders of 8 different convoys streaming in.

Our Radio-Canada colleagues are reporting that the Rideau Centre is closing now. The mall hasn't given a reason, but on social media ..there have been reports of numerous anti-masker confrontations with mall employees.

This is an alarming tweet in a series of troublesome tweets from an Ontario politician. Police have been very accommodating in terms of facilitating peaceful protest to the convoy that did not have a permit to demonstrate.

https://twitter.com/randyhillier/status/1487515969182441474?s=20&t=1al28i-G1ktSO1X5U665Qw

Freedom Convoy may be surprised by this but this is standard protocol for large gatherings.
Ie. Black Lives Matter protests, Canada Day.
Police are looking thru scopes for potential threats and filming. Undercover officers are in crowds assessing risk.

https://twitter.com/randyhillier/status/1487524474375319553?s=20&t=1al28i-G1ktSO1X5U665Qw

Are these Freedom Convoy protestors aware of the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown soldier and the National War Memorial? OPS says they've had to tow some vehicles off the property

https://twitter.com/S_Thornton_332/status/1487518296668721153?s=20&t=NClkpiwul_JVsaK4hj_1Vw

Ottawa police say they are monitoring protests and that demonstrators engaged in criminal activity will be charged. They say the public should pass on information if they see crime being committed.
ie. vandalism/harassment/ violence

As of 5pm - Ottawa Police have not laid any criminal charges related to the Freedom Convoy rally. But parking tickets have been handed out, and some vehicles have been towed. Police continue to ask protestors to show respect for Ottawa residents / businesses

Freedom Convoy developments on Saturday:
Mostly peaceful protest
No charges but disrespect for Natl War Memorial & Terry Fox memorial.
Confederate flag & Nazi symbols seen in crowd.
Anti-maskers shut down Rideau Ctr.
Many will sleep in vehicles tonight

cbc.ca/news/politics/…