Vancouver police address online backlash after trans-rights rally confrontations
Posted April 2, 2023 5:45 pm.
Last Updated April 3, 2023 6:47 am.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is facing some online backlash after two aggressive encounters were caught on video during a transgender-rights rally on Friday. The incidents are now under investigation.
“Vile and abusive” is how Deputy Chief Howard Chow described the comments on social media which are directed towards police officers on scene that day. Chow adds he’s appalled and embarrassed about the remarks.
Well, what I am embarrassed and appalled about are the vile and abusive comments this officer and other officers have had to endure on Twitter. This is #NotOkay. The incident is being investigated. https://t.co/ZMMLCUTkb3
— Howard Chow (@DeputyChow) April 2, 2023
The comments come after footage captured showing trans-rights rally-goers and counter-protesters clashing at Grandview Park, where police say around 100 people had gathered.
One of the counter-protestors seen on video is a well-known anti-trans protestor who has previously been arrested by VPD for causing a disturbance at similar events.
Video footage shows at least two people being thrown to the ground, while investigators believe at least two people were assaulted. Police have not provided further details.
Social media comments expressed anger directed at the VPD for not making arrests on-scene with officers present.
It appears anti-trans activists from outside of Vancouver are the ones making most of those comments.
Glad to know if I, or anyone I care about, visits Vancouver and gets assaulted that the cops will simply watch and make arrests later because if they step in, stop the assault and arrest the assaulter the cops believe that will "only incite or inflame the situation"
— WontBeReconstructed_IF (@WontReconstruct) April 1, 2023
Do they not use the Probable Cause standard in Vancouver ????♂️
We’re talking about simple assaults on multiple cameras.
Exp:
If it Probably happened, you should Probably do something.
— Mark Naughton (@MarkNaughton9) April 2, 2023
Don't pretend that the Police somehow know better here, and that was the reasoning for their actions or lack thereof. YOU, have a chance to do the hard right thing here. Make the hard correct decision with regards to these officers behavior. The question is, WILL YOU?
— I Am the GAME. ???????? (@RHikino66) April 2, 2023
There is a mutual consent provision in the Criminal Code for a fist fight (see R. v. Jobidon for more). Is it the position of the @VancouverPD that any Christian within arms length of a trans person is "asking for it" and providing implied consent?https://t.co/9WVm8yOhCS
— The Sarcasticat (@TheSarcasticist) April 2, 2023
Hopefully the officers on scene will be investigated too. Absolutely disgraceful behaviour from Vancouver police department. The police were showing obvious bias towards the attackers and were extremely unprofessional dealing with the victim of assault.
— Chris (@1christea) April 1, 2023
Vancouver police have shared parts of video and images posted online to help their investigation.
Investigators think there may be more witnesses who have not spoken to police, as well as bystander videos that may show different perspectives of the incident.
