(Houston) RCMP in northern British Columbia are investigating what they say was a violent confrontation between a group of about 20 people and Coastal GasLink employees at a job site for the gas pipeline.
Posted at 9:20 p.m.
RCMP said in a statement they were called to the area early Thursday following reports that a group of people, some of whom were allegedly armed with axes, attacked security guards and smashed vehicle windows.
Police say when officers attempted to reach the job site, they were stopped by a downed tree, tar-covered stumps, spiked boards and fires along the forest service road.
When officers tried to make their way through the debris, police said several people threw “smoke bombs” and burning sticks, injuring a police officer.
When police visited the site, they said they saw “significant damage” to heavy machinery, other equipment and portable buildings.
Coastal GasLink called the violence concerning, saying in a statement that some of the assailants tried to set fire to a vehicle while workers were inside, but no one was injured.
The company said the confrontation occurred at the same location where a blockade of pipeline construction opponents had been in place for about two months last year.
RCMP Chief Superintendent Warren Brown said in a statement that the escalation in violence was “very disturbing.”
“This was a calculated and organized violent attack that rocked its victims and resulted in multi-million dollar destruction,” said Mr. Brown, the Northern District Commander. While we respect everyone’s right to peaceful protest in Canada, we cannot tolerate this type of extreme violence and intimidation. »
The pipeline has been the center of several protests and arrests, as Coastal GasLink won an injunction against the blockages and Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs issued the company with an eviction notice.
In February 2020, First Nations and their supporters across the country blocked railroads and highways in solidarity with hereditary chiefs.
Construction of the 670 kilometer pipeline began in 2019 and is expected to be completed next year.