Halifax Police Association says personal vehicles were damaged after 'celebratory event'
The association representing hundreds of police officers and civilian employees in Halifax says a celebratory Juneteenth event late Saturday afternoon got out of hand.
The Halifax Regional Police Association alleges a number of personal vehicles were damaged, and working officers were delayed in responding to an apparent stabbing incident.
"From what we understand at this point, there may have been an attempt to actually blockade the police station and stop vehicles from coming and going," association president Dean Stienburg told CTV News in an interview in Dartmouth on Tuesday.
"A very serious public safety issue for sure."
Organized by the Facebook group Abolish the Police – Halifax/Kjipuktuk, the event was scheduled to run between 5 and 7 p.m.
It's unclear exactly how many people attended, but in a news release, the association said it was alarmed "citizens were incited to commit multiple criminal offences directed towards police service employees."
"We know there were altercations with members that were coming and going from the station, and we're very concerned about that," Stienburg said, adding he wouldn't be providing details publicly.
Halifax Regional Police were similarly tight lipped in an email to CTV News.
"I can confirm that we are investigating reports of property damage and the investigations are in the early stages and no further details are available at this time," said HRP Public Information Officer Const. John MacLeod.
CTV News reached out to the event organizers, but got no response by news time.
Stienburg is convinced some attendees may have been expecting an entirely different event.
"We have reason to believe there were people in that crowd that were there truly to celebrate, and that were not interested in participating in this kind of behaviour. We're encouraging those people to come forward. We don't feel that protesting in this kind of manner is anything that's at all productive or helpful."
"As a matter of fact, it's hurtful and it's divisive."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.