The RCMP falsely claimed on Feb. 14—the same day cabinet invoked the Emergencies Act—that Freedom Convoy protesters gathered outside Ottawa’s Parliament buildings were armed, internal documents show. Ottawa Police Service (OPS) interim chief Steve Bell later confirmed no weapons were found among protesters.
“Intelligence information also suggests that convoy protesters are beginning to weaponize themselves,” read an RCMP briefing note sent to cabinet deputy ministers titled “Truckers Convoy And Protective Services,” obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter.
“Officers are constantly monitoring the shift in behaviour and will respond accordingly,” it continued.
The briefing note’s timestamp was dated 12:59 p.m. on Feb. 14. Four hours later, the Liberal government invoked the Emergencies Act, granting police authority to use extraordinary force in clearing protesters from Ottawa’s downtown core….