Peel Regional Police say an officer “acted within the lawful execution of his duties” when trying to de-escalate a violent protest in Brampton earlier this month, further suggesting a video that has been widely circulated online “lacks context.”
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Officers responded on Nov. 3 around noon to a trespassing complaint that arose out of a protest at the Hindu Sabba Temple on Gore Rd.
Fighting broke out when consular officials visited the temple and police said at least three people were charged in the incident involving Sikh and Hindu protesters.
On Thursday, Peel police released a two-minute video detailing the results of this investigation and offered context for the video circulated on social media.
“What the video doesn’t show is the officer identifying a protester for the purposes of seizing a weapon that he’s holding,” Const. Tyler Bell-Morena said. “The protester then retreats into the crowd and he, along with others, begin to physically resist the officer. The officer’s body-worn camera, which captured the interaction, was reviewed.”
In Thursday’s update regarding the interaction, police shared a clip of the body-worn camera footage that shows a man holding what appears to be a large stick. The officer tries to seize the stick and a physical struggle ensues between the men.
“As you can see, this was a compromising and volatile situation for our officers as they tried to seize a weapon from an individual who did not want to surrender it and became confrontational,” Bell-Morena said.
“Peel Regional Police will always respect the Charter rights of individuals to peacefully assemble. However, we will not tolerate any acts of violence, threats of violence or criminality.”
Police said tensions escalated during the protest, leading to public safety concerns and the decision to seize any items that could be used as a weapon.
“As the day unfolded, crowds became larger and several people armed themselves with sticks and other weapons,” Bell-Morena said. “To maintain peace and order and prevent further escalation, officers began to seize several items that could be used as weapons, including bats, sticks and flagpoles.”
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown told the Sun that swords and machetes were also allegedly used.
Sunday’s fighting spilled into Monday when police were again called to the same temple in Brampton. A 57-year-old Toronto man was charged with a hate crime and two other men were wanted on conspiracy charges in connection the Nov. 4 incidents.
Police said the accused man was allegedly calling for groups to storm Sikh temples. Ranendra Lal Banerjee was arrested and charged with public incitement of hatred. He was later released with conditions.
Police also issued arrest warrants for Armaan Gahlot, 24, of Kitchener, and Arpit (no surname), 22, of no fixed address, for uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, conspiracy to commit assault with a weapon, and conspiracy to commit mischief.
A strategic investigative team has been created to investigate the incidents. Anyone with any information can contact investigators at 905-453-2121, ext. 1233 or 2133, or Peel Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or peelcrimestoppers.ca.