Saying they have engaged in ongoing discussions with organizers of Middle East war protests for many months, Deputy Toronto Police Chief Lauren Pogue says they’ve been clear as to what constitutes lawful demonstrations and what doesn’t.

”I want to acknowledge not everyone participating in these demonstrations are lawbreaking or aggressive towards police. That is not the case,” adds the senior officer in charge of community safety command.

 

 

“However, there are individuals consistently involved in the protests who act as agitators.”

Some of last Saturday’s protesters claim officers used excessive force.

Pogue counters officers have not change the way they respond since October 7, including having some on horseback, pointing out horses are effective and replace 10 officers.

She adds during last weekend’s demonstration, some protesters refused to co-operate despite “repeated warnings,” resulting in physical aggression toward officers, that Pogue calls ”a significant departure from principles of lawful demonstration.”

Two protesters were arrested for allegedly assaulting officers.

One is accused of throwing horse manure at police, while the other allegedly used a flagpole to ”spear” at an officer.

Another was arrest for allegedly spitting at an officer.

Police are still looking for another person for allegedly assaulting a police horse.

Since October 7, Toronto police have attended over 500 demonstrations at a cost of more than $12-million, and climbing.