Two individuals were taken into custody following a protest outside the Munk Debates that featured former Israeli officials in downtown Toronto, as reported by law enforcement authorities. A 24-year-old man from Oakville is facing charges including assaulting a peace officer, disarming a peace officer, criminal harassment, and making threats, according to a news release from Toronto police on Thursday. Additionally, a 21-year-old woman from Toronto has been charged with criminal harassment.
The incident occurred at a demonstration outside Meridian Hall, close to Front Street E. and Yonge Street, where approximately 200 protestors had gathered. Police responded to the scene around 6:30 p.m. and were in the process of directing the protestors to the sidewalk when one individual allegedly attacked an officer and attempted to disarm another officer before blending into the crowd.
Authorities claim that both the man and the woman followed a person after they had departed from the event, with one of them making threats towards that individual. The debate at the event featured an all-Israeli panel discussing the viability of a two-state solution for Israel without any Palestinian representation.
Individuals with any relevant information are encouraged to reach out to the police.