Thread by @SamHersh01

I know a lot of people are angry and frustrated especially those of us who live downtown who are seeing our city torn apart by people who could not care less about the community that lives here but we really have to keep in mind keeping people safe 1/6🧵

It's important to keep in mind that although some of them aren't violent many in the convoy ARE like this man Alex Vriend, a Canadian neo-nazi who is presently there, people like Alex are LOOKING for a confrontation and violence. 2/6

antihate.ca/holocaust_deni…

I have seen folks announce that they are planning a counter-demonstration and although I agree something like that has its place this might not be the right time - this can cause even more danger, especially for those most at risk. We need to listen to what they're saying. 3/6

If anything like this happens it will involve a huge amount of risk and people need to know that. It is not a standard demonstration or rally. This context is different. There is a high threat of confrontation if this is going to happen. 4/6

Lastly to those saying that they're angry because "there is no organizing happening at all" there has been a lot of mutual aid and mutual aid IS ORGANIZING.

I have seen so many people help with things like safe walks and getting food to people - this is organizing too. 5/6

Yes something has to be done and *things have been done* but if anything else that has a higher risk of confrontation is in the works we need to keep in mind people's concerns and their safety. Everyone needs to involved in a conversation like this. 6/6

Last thing I didn't mention is that people also have to take stock of the @OttawaPolice violence they may face as counter protestors. We know the police have done little to convoy supporters but who knows how they'll react to a counter protest. We need to be aware of this.