Tensions are rising between two groups, one opposing, one promoting COVID-19 restrictions in Kelowna.
A planned 香蕉视频直播榤ega rally香蕉视频直播 for downtown on Saturday (Feb. 13) resulted in more than 100 protesters gathering at Stuart Park, across from several counter-protesters stationed in front of Kelowna City Hall.
The counter-protesters shouted through megaphones, attempting to drown out the messages of those with microphones across the street.
At one point, a protester crossed the street and approached a counter-protester with a megaphone, slapping it away from his mouth. The altercation attracted the presence of police who were parked nearby in unmarked cars.
Mounties issued a ticket, for what and to whom isn香蕉视频直播檛 known.
Warning: the following clip contains profanity
RCMP quick to intervene in an argument between anti-restriction protester and counter-protester.
香蕉视频直播 Michael Rodriguez (@MichaelRdrguez)
So far, the anti-restriction protest organizers have received thousands in fines from police for violating COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings. Despite this, they continue to gather.
Many could be seen holding signs and waving at drivers. A merchandise table was set up where clothing and signs with the word 香蕉视频直播榝reedom香蕉视频直播 were being sold. Children could be heard coming to the microphone to take their stance on the regulations.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 fighting for your freedom. It香蕉视频直播檚 being stripped away, and it shouldn香蕉视频直播檛 be. It香蕉视频直播檚 Canada, for crying out loud 香蕉视频直播 it香蕉视频直播檚 sad that our rights are being taken over something that香蕉视频直播檚 false,香蕉视频直播 said an anti-restriction protester who refused to give their name.
香蕉视频直播淓veryone wants our freedom back. That香蕉视频直播檚 all. It香蕉视频直播檚 just our rights. Our freedoms. It香蕉视频直播檚 all we ask for.香蕉视频直播
Tyler Paulson, the individual shown in the clip with the megaphone, has been showing up to the protests each weekend to counter-protest. However, recently, he said things have been escalating.
香蕉视频直播淪omeone needs to show up and say 香蕉视频直播楴o, this isn香蕉视频直播檛 okay,香蕉视频直播櫹憬妒悠抵辈 Paulson said.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 (physical violence) definitely escalating more香蕉视频直播 nobody香蕉视频直播檚 actually gotten hit yet, but there are tensions rising, yeah.香蕉视频直播
Alongside Paulson, a small group of counter-protesters stood in front of city hall, observing the gathering.
香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檓 against the culture, the mentality they香蕉视频直播檙e spreading. And to me, that香蕉视频直播檚 the trouble,香蕉视频直播 said Reuben Scott.
Last week, Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 mayor and RCMP superintendent discouraged people from attending the rally.
However, despite the warnings to avoid the area and the increased police presence downtown during the rally, RCMP did not issue any fines as a result of the event.
香蕉视频直播淲e have gathered evidence in this matter, and will be in discussions with our partners in the BC Health Authority and the BC Prosecution Service on the next steps in this investigation,香蕉视频直播 said Supt. Kara Triance.
Editor香蕉视频直播檚 note: A photo showing an interaction between police, and a man in a beige vest, unintentionally portrayed a nearby male as being involved in the altercation. The argument that prompted the presence of police did not involve the man in the gray toque.
READ MORE: Kelowna officials warn against anti-COVID protests ahead of planned 香蕉视频直播榤ega rally香蕉视频直播
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com
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