Update (1435ET): On Friday morning, Ottawa Police Service began arresting “Freedom Convoy” protesters in the downtown district.
There are disturbing reports some officers wielded military-style weapons as they closed in on the three-week-long demonstration.
Twitter users report police officers (or maybe even special ops) outfitted in full combat gear with assault rifles equipped with silencers approached unarmed protesters.
People are leaving their trucks and cars as cops coming up with some big guns at Rideau and Sussex. Cops go and search the cars after #cdnpolj #ottnews pic.twitter.com/pZc5bQGUap
— Mackenzie Gray (@Gray_Mackenzie) February 18, 2022
A huge tow truck just showed up, as did more cops.
The cops that broke the windows of the RV are now searching it #cdnpolj #ottnews pic.twitter.com/jmgMQIMBSX
— Mackenzie Gray (@Gray_Mackenzie) February 18, 2022
One Twitter user reports “snipers are on the roof” of multiple buildings.
There are snipers on the roof of the Senate and one of the Rideau Centre buildings in Ottawa right now at the Freedom Convoy protest. pic.twitter.com/Ly5QqkLDWU
— Marie Oakes (@TheMarieOakes) February 18, 2022
There are reports protesters are “holding the line” as police begin mass arrests.
https://twitter.com/BBlues60/status/1494741377741213704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1494741377741213704%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerohedge.com%2Fpolitical%2Ffinal-showdown-canada-police-set-end-freedom-convoy-siege-capital
#Canada 🇨🇦 Horrific scenes out of Ottawa as authorities move in, dragging away peaceful protesters, and leading away an elderly woman, no wonder these officers have their faces covered.#TruckersForFreedom2022 #TruckerConvoy #Toronto #Truckers4Freedom #TruckersNotTrudeau #Ottawa pic.twitter.com/4TtvV2dMHT
— Freddie Ponton 🇫🇷 (@LFCNewsMedia) February 18, 2022
Police were spotted in armored tactical trucks.
Even mounted police were called in.
Every American watching the events unfolding in Ottawa should be very afraid because Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has chosen to unleash what looks like the military on unarmed civilians who are only asking for their freedoms back after being taken away during COVID.
Keep in mind, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association has condemned Trudeau for invoking the Emergencies Act.
Trudeau is now creating a political emergency.