News Analysis Since the arrest in February of a small group of individuals in Coutts, Alta., on serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, some media reports and politicians have made claims linking the Ottawa protest to the same group, with some alleging there were firearms at the Ottawa site. This claim is vehemently denied by Freedom Convoy organizers, who say their three-week protest against COVID-19 mandates in the nation’s capital was peaceful. The issue of firearms possession was recently raised again during a House of Commons committee hearing, with a Conservative MP alleging that those making the claim were attempting to spread misinformation. Here’s a look at the background and some of the claims made. Allegations and Contradictions A widely shared Toronto Star article published on March 19 cited an anonymous police source claiming there were loaded shotguns inside some trucks at the Ottawa …