Driver arrested after pro-Palestinian protestor nearly hit by car: Victoria police
Posted December 4, 2023 3:01 pm.
Police say one man was arrested after a confrontation in Victoria at a pro-Palestinian rally at the B.C. Legislature Sunday.
Video posted online shows a vehicle driving up onto a sidewalk on Belleville Street, nearly hitting a person as they walk by, shortly after 2 p.m.
The driver is then seen getting out of the vehicle before engaging with one of the protesters, while people in the background yell for him to “back off.”
A Victoria Police officer soon appears in frame, trying to calm the parties down as people continue to yell from the sidelines.
Victoria police confirm in a release the driver of a vehicle that “accelerated … towards a protester during a demonstration” has since been arrested for Assault with a Weapon and Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle.
They add no further arrests were made, and the demonstration was able to continue without any other incidents.
Meanwhile, the National Council of Canadian Muslims says in a statement that it’s “deeply concerned” by the incident, calling it “reprehensible.”
“This is the kind of apparent violence we have seen increase across this country … our leaders must step up to stem this tide of hate,” the council said.
Content warning: The video embedded in the following social media post includes language some people may find offensive. Discretion is advised.
We are deeply concerned by a man who appeared to try to use his car to ram a pro-Palestine protestor in Victoria, BC yesterday before accosting the latter and going on a racist tirade.
— NCCM (@nccm) December 4, 2023
This is the kind of apparent violence we have seen increase across this country. It is… pic.twitter.com/N5X661mO2r
British Columbia’s human rights commissioner said last month that the Israel-Hamas war has triggered a surge in discrimination and violence toward both Jewish and Muslim people in the province.
The council is currently looking into the details surrounding the incident.
-With files from The Canadian Press
