Tensions are rising between two groups, one opposing, one promoting COVID-19 restrictions in Kelowna.
A planned 91裸聊视频榤ega rally91裸聊视频� 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 isn91裸聊视频檛 known.
Warning: the following clip contains profanity
RCMP quick to intervene in an argument between anti-restriction protester and counter-protester.
91裸聊视频� 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 91裸聊视频榝reedom91裸聊视频� were being sold. Children could be heard coming to the microphone to take their stance on the regulations.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 fighting for your freedom. It91裸聊视频檚 being stripped away, and it shouldn91裸聊视频檛 be. It91裸聊视频檚 Canada, for crying out loud 91裸聊视频� it91裸聊视频檚 sad that our rights are being taken over something that91裸聊视频檚 false,91裸聊视频� said an anti-restriction protester who refused to give their name.
91裸聊视频淓veryone wants our freedom back. That91裸聊视频檚 all. It91裸聊视频檚 just our rights. Our freedoms. It91裸聊视频檚 all we ask for.91裸聊视频�
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.
91裸聊视频淪omeone needs to show up and say 91裸聊视频楴o, this isn91裸聊视频檛 okay,91裸聊视频�91裸聊视频� Paulson said.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 (physical violence) definitely escalating more91裸聊视频� nobody91裸聊视频檚 actually gotten hit yet, but there are tensions rising, yeah.91裸聊视频�
Alongside Paulson, a small group of counter-protesters stood in front of city hall, observing the gathering.
91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 against the culture, the mentality they91裸聊视频檙e spreading. And to me, that91裸聊视频檚 the trouble,91裸聊视频� said Reuben Scott.
Last week, Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 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.
91裸聊视频淲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,91裸聊视频� said Supt. Kara Triance.
Editor91裸聊视频檚 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 91裸聊视频榤ega rally91裸聊视频�
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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