G8-G20 VIOLENCE ERUPTS IN DOWNTOWN TORONTO
Posted by news | Filed under All News Stories, Durham, GTA, Toronto
At times on Saturday, parts of downtown Toronto looked more like something you’d see in Afghanistan, as a number of G8 and G20 protests turned violent. Several Toronto Police cars have been torched. Windows in several buildings have been smashed as well, and numerous buildings have been spray-painted with graffiti, particularly in the financial district. Thousands of protesters made their way down Yonge Street, towards Yonge Dundas Square, where more store windows have been smashed. Thousands of police officers, in full riot gear, were spread out across the downtown core, in an attempt to contain the violence. Military helicopters were also flying overhead, keeping an eye on the situation. Downtown hospitals including Sick Kids, Mount Sinai, St. Mikes and Toronto General were on “LOCKDOWN”, however, emergency cases were being allowed in. Residents are advised to stay out of the downtown area. Several different protest groups were forming, and dispersing very quickly, in what was believed to be an attempt to confuse or spread the police lines very thin. More protests are planned for Sunday, and police are again out in full force, as they look to maintain public safety, and the security of the summit zone.