Police poring over photos, videos posted online during Vancouver music festival riot
Photos and video began circulating on social media almost immediately after a riot broke out at a Vancouver music festival last week. Now, police are poring over all of those posts as evidence in a criminal probe.
The chaos erupted at the PNE when the headlining act, Lil Baby, abruptly cancelled his concert Sunday night. The venue was trashed by angry fans and property damage in the area is estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Seven people were arrested that night.
Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison said everyone who pulled out their phone and recorded what was happening was – intentionally or not --- collecting evidence that the investigators are now combing through.
"Sometimes people do make it easy for us when they pull out their cameras and start to record themselves, or their friends or other people while committing criminal acts," he said.
"There is already a significant amount of evidence. Just look at social media, look what people have already blasted out there on social media. We’re going to ask those people to send us the video we’re expecting there’s going to be a lot."
On Wednesday, the department launched a dedicated online portal where people can upload images or footage. The website says police are specifically looking for anything "depicting violence, destruction, or other criminal acts."
There were approximately 5,200 people inside the venue for the festival, and officials estimate about 1,000 of them remained after the headliner's cancellation.
Along with vendor kiosks and garbage cans being overturned, tables, tents and fridges were knocked down and thrown, police said. The VPD also said officers trying to control the crown were met with hostility and had bottles and other objects thrown at them.
The crowd also spilled out into the surrounding neighbourhood, reportedly doing additional damage to local businesses. No serious injuries were reported.
Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart also weighed in on the incident, saying "this has no place in our city and I hope police catch these folks"
With files from CTV News Vancouver's St. John Alexander and Alyse Kotyk
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.