Police investigating vandalism during anti-mask rally at the North Bay Mall
North Bay Canada Aug 11 2021 Participants at a “Freedom Rally” that took place on Saturday afternoon at Lee Park later caused a disturbance at a local mall say police.
North Bay Police are now investigating that incident at the North Bay Mall on Lakeshore Drive.
David Woolley, Communications Officer with the North Bay Police Service, says the police responded to a call in relation to a report of people trespassing on the property.
“Following a scheduled ‘Freedom Rally’ at Lee Park members of the North Bay Police Service responded to reports that approximately 30 attendees of the Rally were trespassing and damaging property at businesses in the 300-block of Lakeshore Drive,” stated Woolley.
“It is alleged that individuals caused some damage to washrooms in the businesses and refused to follow COVID-19 safety regulations, including requests from staff to wear masks while indoors, and accosted customers of the businesses.
“When asked to leave the premises, it is alleged that the individuals caused a disturbance. Some people allegedly stole items as they were leaving.”
Woolley says upon arrival, police removed the participants from the property.
Approximately 15 remaining individuals then began to protest out in front of the business.
A long Facebook video posted by a Freedom Rally organizer, shows protesters arguing with mall security and staff about their respective freedoms and rights.
During one confrontation a chant of “take off your mask! take off your mask!” could be heard echoing down the hallways of the local mall.
BayToday reached out to one of the organizers, Ian Hearns, who was at the event, to get the group’s side of the story.
Hearns would not comment on the incident but did express his frustration with police allegations in the article, calling them “lies, twisted truths, and exaggerations.”
“Haven’t been impressed with previous articles about rallys (sic) etc,” wrote Hearns to reporter Chris Dawson.
“The day you honour truth, I might have something to say. Yet given that you smere (sic) peoples names, and peddle hearsay as truth destroying peoples lives for ratings or a quick buck; I have no comment at this time.”
Police remained on the scene to ensure public safety during the protest and to prevent the protesters from re-entering the mall.
“No criminal or provincial charges were processed at that time but the security footage has been obtained. An investigation into the incident is ongoing and may result in charges,” added Woolley.
