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Windsor Police peacefully clear Ambassador Bridge blockade – major Ontario-Michigan trade crossing to fully reopen Sunday

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Ottawa, the nation’s capital remains occupied by protesters as counter protests also gain momentum

TORONTO, ON, Feb. 13, 2022 – This Sunday morning, Windsor Police with help from the OPP and several other police forces have hugely stepped up the process of reopening the Ambassador Bridge, clearing the few remaining protesters, towing vehicles and making arrests in the process in hopes of reopening the border crossing later in the day.

Windsor police say 12 protesters have been charged with mischief, and seven to 10 vehicles have been towed.

The Windsor Police Service along with policing partners used a progressive approach by ensuring open lines of communication and continuous negotiations with protestors. During these negotiations, Windsor Police say demonstrators were made aware that their actions were illegal and subject to arrest, specifically that they could be charged with mischief.

Windsor Police along with several police forces joined to form a human wall, and march forward along Huron Church Road in order to clear blockade at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor.

The police forces joined to form a human wall, and march forward along Huron Church Road, which is the main approach road to the international border crossing connecting Windsor with Detroit, one of Canada’s largest international trade border crossings.

Windsor Police say, “throughout this demonstration, Police have respected the protesters’ freedom of expression and their right to a peaceful assembly. The importance of public safety remained the number one priority of officers with the goal being a peaceful resolution.”

“Remaining committed to professionalism, keeping lines of communication open and using proper  police discretion, guided our response to this major event.,” said a spokesperson for Windsor Police. 

 In their news release Windsor Police said in news release posted on Twitter:

“We also recognize the rights of the general public, local residents and businesses to a safe environment. Police used discretion during the course of the demonstration to avoid creating an unstable situation and potentially putting the public at risk. This exercising of police discretion should not be confused with lack of enforcement.    

“On Sunday, February 13, 2022, police at the demonstration site engaged protesters for the purpose of continued enforcement and several arrests were made. The arrested persons are all facing a charge of mischief.  Multiple vehicles within the demonstration area were also seized.”   

The Ambassador Bridge is expected to reopen later in the day on Sunday and Windsor Police say a police presence will continue in the area in order to maintain an environment that is safe.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said the Ambassador Bridge protest became less about truckers and vaccine mandates and more of an anti-government movement, citing the presence of several pro-Trump and anti-Trudeau flags being waved at the blockade.

Meanwhile, protesters remain in the nation’s capital on Parliament Hill with no signs of ending soon, as police officers appear to be just observing at this point. A large group of counter-protesters, who are fed-up with the occupation and lack of support, have begun taking things into their own hands via a peaceful protest march through downtown Ottawa.

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