(Ottawa) Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says politicians have no say in operational decisions made by police — and that’s why she has nothing else to say about the arrest of a Rebel News personality.
David Menzies, a commentator for the website, was arrested Monday by an RCMP officer providing security for Mme Freeland as he attempted to ask the minister questions outside an event in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
A Rebel News video shows Mr Menzies being told he was arrested for assault because he pushed a police officer. David Menzies then responds that it was the police officer who hit him.
Mr. Menzies, who has previously been arrested at political events featuring conservative politicians, said in an interview that he believes he was arrested because liberals did not like his speech or his questions.
Mme Freeland, who is also deputy prime minister, says Canada is a democracy and police make operational decisions within their prerogatives.
York Regional Police said Mr. Menzies was released unconditionally after determining there was no credible threat to security, and the RCMP said it was investigating the incident and the actions of everyone involved.