Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue's Remarks on Demonstrations, Friday, April 5, 2024

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Published: Friday, April 5, 2024, 1:31 PM

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Good afternoon and thank you for joining us.

As you know, it has been 7 months since the crisis in the Middle East began, and its impacts continue to be felt globally and here at home.

The Toronto Police Service has attended hundreds of demonstrations since October 7th, as part of our ongoing operation, Project Resolute.

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.

The cost of policing these events has now surpassed $12 million dollars, highlighting the substantial commitment we are making to ensure public safety.

With the expectation that these demonstrations will continue, including this weekend, I want to reiterate our role and expectations in managing them.

Toronto Police attend these gatherings to maintain public order, facilitate crowd control, and above all, to ensure the safety of everyone present - be they demonstrators, officers, or the general public.

Policing such events in a free and democratic society presents unique challenges. We respect the right to assembly and expression, but it's crucial to understand that these rights are not limitless.

There are laws and regulations that must be adhered to, and it's the responsibility of Toronto Police to enforce them.

Our officers are well-versed in their authorities during demonstrations. When they take action, it is unacceptable to obstruct them or become aggressive towards them.

We have engaged in ongoing discussions with protest organizers for many months. We have been clear on what lawful demonstrations include and do not include.

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.

Two individuals were arrested for assaulting police officers with weapons on Saturday. Additionally, one more arrest was made this week - for spitting on an officer, and another person is being sought for striking a police horse.

These actions are anything but peaceful. They jeopardize the safety of all involved, including those who get caught in the fray and had no intentions of engaging in altercations with police.

I want to acknowledge that not everyone participating in these demonstrations are law-breaking or aggressive towards police.

That is not the case.

However, there are individuals consistently involved in these protests who act as agitators, and who are becoming increasingly confrontational and violent.

It's important to recognize the potential consequences of obstructing police and interfering with our ability to maintain order.

The choice to do so only escalates tensions and may lead to confrontations that pose risks to the safety of all involved.

The conflict in the Middle East has inflicted deep trauma on many in our city. With loved ones directly affected, feelings of helplessness and frustration intensify as the conflict persists.

This is understandable, but it's imperative that Torontonians stand together. Turning against each other or resorting to violence towards fellow citizens and police is not the answer.

Large protests are once again expected this weekend. We are asking demonstrators to work with us to ensure peaceful and orderly demonstrations, and to recognize the city's patience throughout months of disruptions.

While we remain dedicated to maintaining order with measured responses, we will not hesitate to enforce the law and make arrests where warranted.

The Toronto Police Service will continue to uphold the right to demonstrate lawfully while limiting disruptions to the city, and ensuring that everyone feels a sense of safety.

I'll now take any questions.

By Stephanie Sayer for Corporate Communications

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