Black Lives Matter has been protesting outside of Toronto Police Headquarters for almost two weeks now. Photo by author.
After the protesters left Friday morning, the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) explosive arm of the police arrived at the scene to inspect materials that were left behind. VICE contacted Alexandria Symone, co-founder of BLMTO, who chuckled at the idea. "They're going to be pissed when they find out all we left there was cheese and corn," she told VICE, making note that it was a peaceful protest and that the police had overreacted to their presence. Mark Pugash, Toronto Police's director of corporate communications, deflected claims that the police had been overzealous in their handling of the situation. "We will always err on the side of caution if we have a reason to be concerned." Later that day, shortly before a motion asking the province to reassess the SIU under the lens of anti-Black racism was passed unanimously by City Hall, Toronto Mayor John Tory called BLMTO's decision to protest in front of Wynne's house "entirely inappropriate." After the motion passed, BLMTO protesters disrupted council chambers to demand justice in the shooting of Loku and others.As seen thru — Kevin Misener (@Misener680NEWS)April 1, 2016
"Give us the names! Justice for Andrew Loku!" VICE reached out to the premier's office, but they declined to comment on the situation. Follow Jake Kivanç on Twitter.Right now at city hall, — Rena Heer (@renaheer_CP24)April 1, 2016