While most of the protesters left the campus by midnight, police resorted to deploying tear gas and pepper spray to push the remaining group of protesters off the campus.
Calgary Police released the following statement:
"Around 6:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 9, 2024, police were notified by University of Calgary security that several protestors had begun setting up tents on the south lawn of MacEwan Hall. The protestors were asked to leave and when they refused, were trespassed by University of Calgary staff. Despite being trespassed, the protestors refused to leave, and police were called in for assistance.
The Calgary Police Service worked with the University and the protestors on site to safely resolve this situation throughout the day. It is estimated crowds peaked at 150. Police clearly communicated the consequences of staying and provided further opportunity to leave. Without compliance, police were required to move in to enforce the trespass order.
Over the course of three and a half hours, Public Safety Unit officers encouraged an estimated 60 protestors to leave the area. Projectiles were thrown at police and barricades had to be removed. Multiple opportunities were given throughout the course of the event for attendees to pack up and leave, and many did without further issue.
At approximately 11:15 p.m., the remaining protestors were removed from the park by way of arrest. Projectiles and assaultive behaviour by the remaining protestors triggered the use of non-lethal munitions by officers. No injuries have been reported. The number of arrests, tickets and charges will be made publicly available tomorrow."
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