Freedom Convoy protesters voluntarily dismantled their blockade of the Coutts border crossing in Alberta province Tuesday, the day after Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) seized a cache of weapons in a morning raid, and Premier Jason Kenney asked protesters to go home before the blockade escalated into violence.
Police officers hugged the demonstrators and shook their hands as they made preparations to depart Tuesday:
Coutts police honors, greets and hugs truckers who have blocked the US – Canada border for 18 consecutive days. pic.twitter.com/RL4F7l0JBh
— RadioGenova (@RadioGenova) February 15, 2022
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Curtis Zablocki said he was aware of the hugging videos spreading across social media, and evidently did not condone the behavior of his officers.
“I will say, we do encourage our members to engage with the public and develop respectful, professional relationships with all Albertans. We will be looking further into this matter and taking any necessary steps,” he said.
