Police set fire to probe unit accused of trying to start fire in Ottawa apartment building, mayor says – National

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said the city’s police arson unit was investigating after “disturbing” reports of unidentified individuals attempting to start a fire in the hallway of a residential apartment located nearby. location is happening. convoy of trucks Demonstration.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt, but this story could have ended very, very differently,” Watson said at a meeting of city councilors Monday, calling the incident an act. clear criminal intent”.

“Innocent lives are in danger, right now, right here,” continued Watson.

“Show human courtesy and leave our community now that you have made your point.”

Police have yet to say who they believe is responsible for the alleged arson but are appealing to members of the public to help identify two individuals described as “people of interest.” “.

Footage shared by a resident of an apartment building in downtown Ottawa shows two men entering the lobby on Sunday, closing the front door and attempting to set the building on fire with harnesses.

Matias Muñoz, who lives in the building and spoke to Global News, described the incident as “scary” and added that he was told by other residents it happened after the building’s residents argued with others. briefly protested before setting off fireworks in the nearby street. .

He was at a friend’s house over the weekend when the building management shared the footage back with residents, he said.

“There was a lot of anger and it[had]built up all week,” he said.

“We don’t feel safe right now. Everyone was scared. Everyone is worried about violence. Everyone is worried about being assaulted,” Muñoz added.

“This is a perfect example of the situation that can arise when this type of lawlessness occurs. So it was a scary experience.”

3:19
Ottawa declares state of emergency as trucker protests enter second week

Ottawa police have come under intense criticism for their response to the protest, which has dragged on for a second week with no sign of ending.

The convoy organizers have said they want an end to all COVID-19 public health measures – most of which are under provincial, rather than federal, jurisdiction – along with the dissolution of the Trudeau government.

Many participants kept the convoy peaceful.

However, as of Sunday night, Ottawa police said there were more than 60 criminal investigations underway into alleged conduct related to the convoy including “naughty conduct, theft, crime hatred and property damage.”

Police issued 100 tickets for offenses including “honing too much, driving the wrong way, faulty silencers, not wearing seat belts, possession of alcohol and having an improper driver’s license class.” “

Muñoz said he understands people are frustrated with the continuing pandemic, noting that he has had to close his own business, running a local music venue.

“But we all suffer,” he said.

Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly on Monday said the force was “offending” to try to end the truck convoy’s protest. He also said that police were “aggressively” tracing the convoy’s finances to try to cut off supplies and fuel supplies for what local councilors have described as a “disruption”. occupation” and “siege” of the city is underway.

“We will relentlessly pursue the funding that has kept this protest going to this point,” Sloly said.

1:23
Trucker protests: Police say they are pursuing “sponsorship” and “fuel” behind protests

Federal officials reiterated at a news conference Monday that the responsibility for ending the protest rests with local police, and that it is not the government’s job to direct their operations.

Liberal MP Yasir Naqvi, who represents one of the central areas of the city hardest hit by the convoy disruption, called the experiences of the past 11 days “torment”. for the people.

He described the truck’s constant honking as “torture”, while Mona Fortier, who represents a nearby Ottawa-Vanier ride, said the behavior the convoy displayed so far was disturbing. .

“This is the furthest thing from peaceful protest,” she said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not commented since last weekend about the convoy. But NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is promote an urgent debate on this issue in the House of Representatives on Monday.

The city declared a state of emergency on Sunday.