The chief of the Halifax Regional Police defended his officers' actions during Wednesday's protest against the city's eviction of homeless people from public parks and green spaces, saying pepper spray was appropriate in the face of aggressive individuals who were "armed" and organized. "Officers ... were faced with a hostile, aggressive, assaultive, protesting crowd that came equipped, organized and well planned to do what they did," Kinsella said. "The officers had to ensure the protection and safety of everyone around, and they did that using their training." Police and protesters clash in downtown Halifax 1:20 Officers physically moved people back from one downtown site that drew a large protest, and pepper-sprayed the crowd. Kinsella said police arrested 24 people who now face charges including obstruction of justice, assaulting police, resisting arrest, and mischief.

Source: CBC News August 19, 2021 21:47 UTC