Winnipeg police to investigate after protesters pull down Queen Victoria statue on Canada Day | FULL

Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth said on Friday that there would be an investigation after Canada Day protests through downtown Winnipeg culminated in the toppling of a statue of Queen Victoria in front of the Manitoba legislature.

According to posts on social media, the statue, doused in red paint, was pulled down by a group of people using what appeared to be a long rope wrapped around the front.

"Our event co-ordinator along with supervisors and front-line members did not directly engage with those that were damaging the statues. We did not want to further incite the crowd," said Smyth.

Smyth stated he was "disappointed" and that he had heard from Indigenous leaders who "do not condone the actions of that small number of people."

Hundreds of people gathered on the legislative grounds Thursday to remember the more than 1,000 children recently discovered in unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools.

#GlobalNews

[TheSteveRobinson]

If it was a "small number" of individuals, why didn't you arrest them?

[carbo]

This country has become one giant clown show.

[Ruddibruce]

That’s a big lack of policing when you can’t protect a statue for chrissakes .

[znraymond]

Peaceful? They had rope and paint ready did not mean to be a peaceful demonstration.

[lordofpurgatory.]

So more cowardice from another Police department.

[johnweimer]

In other words you did jack shi$ to stop the destruction and make arrests! You and your staff did nothing... Now all you do is run your jaws!

[vrluke]

Lock them up and send them the bill to replace.

[Baileyind]

Go to many first nations and you can see the Union Jack flying. Many recognize the monarch
and Britain because of their signed treaties with the crown. Rarely, do I see a Canadian Flag. Tearing
down a statue of Queen Victoria is just plain ignorant and those who did it
have no clue on the history between her and Indigenous people.

[DS-jvvb]

If this was an anti mask rally this woulda been shut right down and people in jail with no property damage. Just saying. I wouldn't be at an anti mask rally but why are we picking and choosing

[WillSmith-orgt]

REPORTER: "Why didn't police officers step in in greater numbers to prevent this vandalism in the first place."
04:49 DANNY: "Uh, it's a judgment call based on what's happening. There was no violence going on towards other people."
03:16 DANNY: "To be clear some of our members were assaulted and spit on. Several of our police cars sustained damage after being struck by objects including rocks."

[Hollins]

Prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. This is the time to send a strong message that they are not exempt from the laws that govern this country. They cannot destroy public property, nor engage in mischief, and vandalism.

[SuperMarlene]

What an embarrassedment, Infront of public building and no one stop them

[bricee]

I hope people realize this is terrorism, nothing less.

[seaside]

I am totally in support of those who suffered and lost as a result of the Residential Schools. I am not in support of wanton vandalism. There is a process to go through to have a statue, street name or other to be considered for removal. If the majority agree then have it done.

[equinox]

Why weren’t they arrested on the spot? Why did they get as far as they did?

[ifitpipe]

"mostly peaceful" hmmm where have I heard that before?

[cryptokek]

From a Wasauksing First Nations native here, stop getting angry on behalf of other people. We don't want your condolences or virtue signaling of solidarity.

[nathanielwinkle]

The only things in canada which are worth anything were those two statues

[tu]

Trudope has his intentions on dividing this beautiful country.

[znraymond]

They should be arrested for the law they broke.