(OTTAWA) Police patrolled the increasingly empty streets of downtown Ottawa as the series of protests scheduled for the “Rolling Thunder” came to a peaceful end on Sunday afternoon.
Posted at 10:45 a.m.
Updated at 6:17 p.m.
The organizers said they wanted to oppose compulsory vaccination.
The Ottawa Police Service has nevertheless launched an investigation into an act of vandalism that occurred at the Capital City Bikers Church, where protesters went to attend a mass.
The exterior walls of the building were daubed with inscriptions such as “fascism” or “no paradise for fascism” before protesters and parishioners arrived.
Unlike the events of February, when a crowd of opponents of public health measures aimed at combating COVID-19 had occupied the streets of the nation’s capital for several weeks, the participants of the “Rolling Thunder” were quick to raise their paws.
Only a dozen participants in the mass then moved to the parliament.
A festive mass
Hundreds of people gathered on Sunday to take part in the last activity scheduled for the “Rolling Thunder” schedule: a mass. They could see the graffiti adorning the walls of the church. However, these did not dampen the enthusiasm of the rather peaceful crowd, although some were outraged.
“It is extremely insulting, commented Kimberly McGrath. I don’t care a bit, but many people will find it traumatic and offensive. It reminds us of what we had to go through after being labeled as racists, misogynists and opponents of science. »
Police have confirmed that their hate crimes unit is investigating “an incident of hate-motivated mischief at a religious institution” located on rue Carillon, the same street as this church.
Four musicians performed Christian rock tunes while worshipers, some wearing leather jackets, raised their arms. Families and children, sometimes accompanied by pets, entered the church. A small bar offering soft drinks, snacks and coffee had been set up at the rear of the building.
“We start talking about hell and then we are told that we are religious fanatics, preached Pastor Rob McKee. We all love the story that God is love. So, if I was the enemy, I would try to make these people believe that this is false, that this is misinformation. »
Participants socialized in the church parking lot after mass. Several expressed their intention to leave Ottawa, although some spoke of going to a demonstration in Montreal or returning to Parliament Hill.
Like in February
Participants in the series of protests arrived Friday afternoon in the nation’s capital. Large crowds headed downtown for various activities, including a ceremony at the War Memorial and a rally on Parliament Hill.
The organizers said they wanted to oppose compulsory vaccination, but as in February, several demonstrators were heartbroken.
Randy Hill, from Penticton, British Columbia, arrived at mass driving a red van decorated with Canadian flags and a “faith not fear” sticker. He said he and his wife Carol-Anne oppose compulsory vaccination and any other measures the government intends to put in place.
“We want God to overthrow this government and replace it with righteous people. People in government are accountable to God,” he said.
The police presence was heavier than normal around Parliament Hill; otherwise, it was the usual busyness of a beautiful spring Sunday.
Arrests
The Ottawa Police Service said it arrested three people on Saturday, although the protest remained peaceful. Seven other people had been arrested the day before.
A woman has been arrested after assaulting police officers on Elgin Street, where the gathering of motorcyclists moved. A man has been placed under arrest for violating the conditions of his release following the events of February.
Another man will face multiple charges, including dangerous driving, assault with a weapon and breaching conditions.
Police are also investigating “an incident of hate-motivated mischief at a religious institution” reported to them shortly before 7 a.m. It is unclear whether this incident is related to the rally.
In another tweet on Sunday, the Ottawa Police Service also reported 761 parking tickets, 10 provincial offenses and 39 towed vehicles.