Legislature encampment being dismantled; police cite ‘threats of bodily harm’

Security officers moved to dismantle an encampment Tuesday that has been on the front lawn of the Manitoba legislature for months.

It comes a day after WPS stopped an attempt by protesters to enlarge the encampment. Several people attached to the camp were arrested on Monday.

“The Winnipeg Police and Manitoba Government officials made the decision to dismantle the camp today as a result of escalating threats of bodily harm, the indication of weapons and aggressive behaviour by north camp occupants,” police said in a statement.

Police presence at encampment at Manitoba legislature on Oct. 4, 2022. (Credit: CityNews/James Rinn)

The encampment was set up in spring and adorned with signs and flags highlighting a variety of issues, from the discovery of unmarked graves at residential schools to COVID-19 restrictions, to conflict in the Middle East.

Originally there was one teepee. A second was added in the summer. The protesters had planned to build a third Monday and put out a call on social media for supporters to help them build a “law lodge.”

When they arrived at the front entrance to the legislature grounds, they were met by a line of more than two dozen officers. Police vehicles, including two wagons each capable of carrying several people, were parked nearby.

Police presence at encampment at Manitoba legislature on Oct. 4, 2022. (Credit: CityNews/James Rinn)

Winnipeg police on Tuesday confirmed the identities of the seven protesters arrested. There were four men and three women ranging in age from 27 to 55.

Wednesday morning, WPS confirmed an additional five identities of protesters that had been arrested. There were four men and one woman between the age of 43 and 54.

Police say they were charged with obstructing a peace officer and depositing items in the legislative precinct that supported an extended stay.

The camp was dismantled on the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQ+ (MMIWG2S+). Police acknowledged the significance of that in their release.

“An assembly to honour the National Day of Action for MMIWG2S+ at the Legislative Grounds was able to proceed without interruption,” WPS said.

“Once the MMIWG2S+ assembly dissipated, police cleared participants from the north camp to enable Manitoba Government officials to safely and without interruption de-commission the north camp in its entirety.”

Police say weapons were located at the site, but did not provide more details.

—With files from The Canadian Press