Ottawa’s mayor declared a state of emergency Sunday afternoon in an attempt to handle the “Freedom Convoy” protests in the streets of the Canadian capital.
In a statement, the city said “Declaring a state of emergency reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government”.
The city explained that the declaration offers flexibility “to manage business continuity for essential services for its residents and enables a more flexible procurement process, which could help purchase equipment required by frontline workers and first responders”.
Mayor Jim Watson said “(This) reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government”.
On Sunday, the Ottawa Police threatened to arrest people who bring gasoline or other materials to the truckers.
“IMPORTANT: Anyone attempting to bring material supports (gas, etc.) to the demonstrators could be subject to arrest. Enforcement is underway,” a tweet from the police read.
Nicholas Wansbutter, who was retained to represent the Freedom Convoy, told Fox News “People who bring food, water, gasoline or other supplies to peacefully protesting truckers are not breaking any law. There is no basis for this police threat, that was issued by Twitter this morning”.
The Ottawa Police announced that, between Saturday and Sunday morning, more than 450 tickets have been issued for various offenses including excessive noise, seatbelt violations, obstructed license plates, and improper mufflers.
Police reported that they opened 97 criminal offense investigations in relation to the convoy and have also charged four people with hate crimes.
Though Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly suggested bringing in the Canadian military to aid in ending the demonstrations, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it was “not in the cards right now”.
Trudeau and his family left their downtown home last weekend and he is currently isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.