G20 Summit - Toronto Protests Part II

As the crowd continued marching down the streets, they were met by a police line on Spadina and Richmond. The police never explained why the protestors were not being allowed through - at the time, it was very peaceful. Spirits were high, but it was only later that I realized that 2 squad cars had been set on fire in the financial district, and police were tightening access to key intesections. My first time staring at a riot squad. Full riot gear on, they're certainly intimidating. The gas masks and heavy batons only add to the nightmare. The rallies at the back of the line began breaking up, perhaps heading along other streets, perhaps going home. The point had been made. Of the few that remained, there was singing and dancing, but no amount of coaxing would elicit a reaction from the police. One overzealous officer shoved anyone within half of metre of his shield, but the police response was otherwise subdued. I left after 45 minutes, as the officers were content to simply wait out the crowd.

DF