Toronto police report eight arrests and 29 criminal charges following a volatile demonstration and counter protest at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto over the weekend.
According to a Sunday release from the Toronto Police Service, officers responded to a demonstration near Queen Street West and Bay Street shortly after 2 p.m. on Saturday. The gathering drew dozens of participants protesting mass immigration, alongside counter protesters and elected officials condemning racism and hate.
Ahead of the anti immigration rally, Scarborough Rouge Park City Councillor Neethan Shan appeared with community organizations to denounce xenophobia and racism. Groups present included the National Council of Canadian Muslimsand the Urban Alliance on Race Relations. Their appearance was confirmed through a release issued by the Toronto & York Region Labour Council.
A counter protest organized by Community Solidarity Toronto also took place at the square, with organizers calling for action to reduce hate and maintain social cohesion across the city.
Police say officers provided repeated direction to demonstrators in an effort to maintain public safety. Despite those efforts, several individuals allegedly caused disturbances, assaulted other participants, and later confronted officers. Police confirm officers were assaulted during the incident.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw publicly praised frontline officers following the incident, stating violence toward police or civilians remains unacceptable. He added police will enforce the law whenever legal grounds exist, regardless of protest affiliation or location.
Initial police updates issued Saturday referenced 11 arrests, later revised to nine. After further review, police confirmed one individual was released without charges, bringing the total to eight charged individuals.
Those charged range in age from 23 to 50. One accused from Milton and one from Ottawa are scheduled to appear at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre. Six Toronto residents are set to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice.
Charges include assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, throwing an explosive with intent to cause bodily harm, carrying a concealed weapon, theft, mischief, and assault.
The Toronto Police Association described the scene as volatile and strongly condemned the conduct of some demonstrators. The association reported officers were struck with eggs, used toilet paper, and plastic bags containing suspected bodily fluids. One officer was punched.
Police continue to seek information from the public as the investigation remains active.
