One man arrested during downtown protest

One man has been taken into police custody during a protest earlier this afternoon.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., today, Sunday, April 7, 2024, multiple groups of protesters gathered around City Hall. Throughout the afternoon, officers were on scene to ensure public safety.

Protest organizers for one group planned to march along an approved route. Prior to the protest, members of the Service worked with organizers to help plan an event that would ensure the safety of participants, the public and our officers. Organizers were advised to stay off the roadways, but ultimately, they did not comply. It is believed that after the march began, an event organizer encouraged protesters to march into the roadways. This caused traffic delays in the area and put the public at an increased risk of harm.

When the march concluded, one organizer was taken into police custody, but has since been released. At this time, no charges have been laid. We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this event and will not provide additional details at this time.

We police behaviours, not beliefs. It is everyone’s lawful right to protest and we encourage anyone who is planning an event or a demonstration to review the information on our website: calgarypolice.ca/protesting.

We are committed to working with groups who want to organize an event that provides a safe and peaceful opportunity for demonstrators to exercise their lawful rights. Our objective is to work with all parties to ensure public and officer safety, and to maintain orderly conduct and peace.

Anyone with information about this event is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips