Update (1615ET): During a Friday afternoon press conference, Interim Ottawa Police Chief Steve Bell told reporters that Ottawa police have made at least 70 arrests (including high profile organizers Tamara Lich, Chris Barber and Pat King) and towed at least 21 vehicles.
Bell said the plan to move in on protesters “methodical” and well thought out, noting officers had control of the situation on the ground.
“We will run this operation 24 hours a day until the residents and community have their city back,” Bell said.
Officers from across Ontario and Quebec, as well as the RCMP, have joined Ottawa police in a bid to end the protests.
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.
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.