Vancouver police investigating assaults at trans rights rally
Vancouver police say they believe at least two people were assaulted at a trans rights rally Friday, and they have launched an investigation.
The assaults happened during "violent confrontations" between rally-goers and a group of counter-protesters in Grandview Park, the Vancouver Police Department said in a news release Saturday.
Between 75 and 100 people had gathered in the park, according to police. The rally was being held to mark International Transgender Day of Visibility.
"Detectives from VPD’s Robbery, Assault and Arson Unit have been assigned to conduct a full investigation, which will include a review of bystander video, eyewitness accounts, and victim statements," police said in their release.
"The investigation will consider all of the circumstances surrounding the incidents."
Police said they believe there may be additional witnesses who haven't spoken to investigators, "as well as a bystander video that may show different perspectives of what occurred."
The VPD also shared "parts of video and images posted online by a victim," saying it hopes more people who witnessed the altercations will come forward with information.
Those with information about the assaults are asked to call 604-717-2541, police said.
In one of the videos, a person holding trans and Pride flags screams profanity at the victim before punching them.
In the other, the assailant is wearing a camouflage hoodie and pushes the victim to the ground.
Police did not identify either the victims or the suspects in Friday's incidents, writing in their release that they "do not have the authority" to identify victims or release names of suspects who have not been charged.
An activist who goes by the moniker Billboard Chris has identified himself as one of the assault victims, and has been posting videos of the incident and the police response to it since it occurred.
His website focuses on his opposition to the use of puberty blockers to treat children with gender dysphoria and claims children are being "indoctrinated" into believing they were born in the wrong bodies.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.