Toronto police vow to increase security ahead of protests celebrating Oct. 7 attack on Israel
https://tnc.news/2024/10/03/tps-increase-security-protests-oct-7-attack/
In the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East and approaching the one-year mark since the Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel, Toronto police vow increased security in Jewish communities and a hard approach to political violence in the city.
Toronto Police Services Chief Myron Demkiw promised increased police presence across the city, in Jewish neighbourhoods and Jewish and Muslim places of worship ahead of anticipated protests.
“As tensions rise around the world and we approach the one-year anniversary of October 7th, we know world events always have an impact here at home. This includes the potential for increased protest activity and acts of violence,” Demkiw said In a statement released by the TPS. “As a result, Toronto residents will notice an increased police presence across the city. This is part of our commitment to ensuring all communities are safe – and feel safe.”
He committed to establishing three mobile command posts stationed in Jewish neighbourhoods. One will be located at Bathurst and Glencairn, another at Bathurst and Sheppard and the third at Bathurst and Finch.
Demkiw said a fourth mobile command post will be deployed to various mosques in Toronto.
The National Council for Canadian Muslims did not respond to True North’s requests to comment.
The police report said there would be an increased presence of both plain clothes and uniformed officers as well as increased patrols of visibly marked police cars.
Demkiw said police will be working with its municipal, provincial and federal partners as well as intelligence services to monitor potential threats and respond to any situation proactively.
“We have enhanced our coordination with these partners and strengthened our intelligence-gathering efforts and our ability to identify and mitigate potential risks,” Demkiw said. Continue…