Police presence to remain near Coutts

Blockade supporter Brant Hansen says it was always meant to be a peaceful protest.

“We came in peaceful, and we want to stay peaceful. And when that happened [discovery of weapons], that kind of stuff happens, that’s not any intention of what was supposed to happen.”

RCMP say although the Coutts border blockade may have begun as a peaceful protest, it did not remain that way.

Deputy Commissioner Zablocki said in a news conference Tuesday that some members of the protest posed a serious threat.

“Monday’s weapons seizure and subsequent arrests speak to the serious criminal activities taking place during this protest and illegal blockade. The dangerous criminal activity occuring away from the TV cameras and social media posts was real, and organized, and it could have been deadly for citizens, protestors, and officers.”

Meanwhile, some questions are surrounding the RCMP’s interactions with protesters, after video surfaced on social media showing a different side to the protest.

In the video, protest supporters were seen hugging and shaking hands with police officers as they sang “Oh Canada” before leaving the blockade.

Zablocki says they are looking into the matter to ensure officers acted appropriately at the protest site.

“We do encourage our members to engage with the public and develop respectful, professional relationships with all Albertans. We’ll be looking further into this matter and taking any necessary steps.”

Read more about the official end to the Coutts blockade.

by LNN Staff

Police presence to remain near Coutts

What's Happening