An RCMP officer, Sgt. Greg Tulloch, recounted the challenging interactions between law enforcement and protesters during the recent COVID-era border blockade in Coutts, Alberta. The blockade, which disrupted cross-border traffic between Alberta and Montana for two weeks in early 2022, was led by Alex Van Herk, Marco Van Huigenbos, and Gerhard (George) Janzen, who are facing charges of mischief over $5,000.
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Tense Negotiations and Threats
Upon arriving at the scene on February 1, Sgt. Tulloch attempted to persuade the protesters, particularly the accused leaders, to disband the blockade. Van Huigenbos, one of the key figures in the protest, warned that if police did not allow more trucks to join the blockade, the situation could escalate rapidly.
Sgt. Tulloch expressed concerns about safety and the potential for additional actors to disrupt the protest with violence or conflicting messages. Despite these risks, police ultimately allowed the logging trucks to enter Coutts at the protesters’ request.
Escalating Tensions and Militarization
As the standoff continued, tensions rose between law enforcement and the protesters. Sgt. Tulloch described a moment when a semi-truck blocked his path, leading to a confrontation that required intervention from Van Huigenbos and Janzen. The situation worsened as the highway became completely sealed off, with new individuals appearing at the protest site dressed in camouflage and vests, giving it a military-like atmosphere.
Obstacles and Confrontations
Further complications arose when excavators were strategically placed near the highway, posing a potential threat to law enforcement efforts to disperse the protesters. Despite being instructed to move the machines, the individuals involved only relocated them a short distance, prompting concerns about their intentions.
Efforts to communicate with Van Huigenbos to address these challenges were met with delays, leading police to take action and disable the excavators to prevent further disruptions.
Conclusion
The testimony provided by Sgt. Tulloch offers insight into the complexities and risks involved in managing a high-stakes situation like the Coutts border blockade. The ongoing trial of the accused protesters sheds light on the legal consequences of their actions and the impact of such protests on communities and law enforcement.
This report by The Canadian Press provides a detailed account of the events that unfolded during the border blockade in Coutts, Alberta, in early 2022.
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