The cost of policing protests in Toronto, including those related to the Israel-Gaza war, has cost more than $12 million since October, police say.
Toronto Police Services Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue told reporters Friday that police remain committed to manning these demonstrations in the interests of preserving public safety, after numerous police officers were assaulted last weekend.
Two individuals were arrested for assaulting police officers with weapons at last Saturday’s protest. Another person was arrested this week for spitting on a police officer, and another person is being sought for striking a police horse, according to Pogue.
“Our Major Incident Command Centre continues to operate seven days a week and our officers are attending demonstrations nearly every day, some involving thousands of people,” Pogue said in a statement.
Police also say they have been in ongoing discussions with protest organizers for months and have made it clear on what constitutes a lawful or unlawful demonstration.
“Despite our repeated warnings and cautions, some protestors on Saturday refused to cooperate or follow police directives. This culminated in physical aggression towards our officers – a serious departure from the principles of lawful demonstration,” Pogue said.
She also acknowledged that not everyone participating in these demonstrations are law-breaking or aggressive towards police.
“However, there are individuals consistently involved in these protests who act as agitators, and who are becoming increasingly confrontational and violent,” she said.
Her update comes in the days following Benjamin Netanyahu’s apology after the Israeli military killed seven aid workers, including one Canadian in Gaza, sparking global outrage and igniting a new wave of criticism.
Large protests are expected this weekend, and police are asking demonstrators to work with them to ensure peaceful and orderly demonstrations.
