Anti-Vaccine Protesters Gather in Downtown Toronto

The sound of honking trucks echoed through the streets of downtown Toronto Saturday as a large crowd of protesters descended upon the city to demand the end of COVID-19 restrictions.

The protest, organized by the "Freedom Convoy," started at noon at Queen's Park, with protesters carrying signs and flags and chanting against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, including proof of vaccination in certain indoor settings.

Several people who attended the protest told CP24 that they don't want vaccines, masks and other public health rules that have been very effective at curbing the spread of COVID-19 to be forced on them. They believe that all levels of government are not handling the pandemic correctly.

Shortly before 2:30 p.m., police said a 22-year-old male protester was arrested at the north side of Queen's Park.

The man was arrested for assault with a weapon, administering a noxious substance (smoke bomb), and public mischief, police said.

The protest later moved north at the intersection of Bloor Street West and Avenue Road. Hundreds of demonstrators and several trucks blocked the road for hours.