Four people were arrested today (Aug 9) after a small group of protesters crashed Imperial Metals headquarters on Hornby Street in Vancouver.
The ensuing clash with police was streamed on Facebook live.
One of the protectors could be heard saying “Imperial Metals is going down, Imperial Metals has lost control, Imperial Metals is illegal, Imperial Metals is illegal in our territory.”
The Vancouver Police Department has issued a press release accusing the four protesters who were arrested of being aggressive towards staff.
Police arrived after receiving 9-1-1 calls and say they were physically blocked by additional protesters at the entrance and exit to the building.
While the four protesters were taken to jail police say others continued to protest outside the companies headquarters, but while they were loud, it was in what police called “a lawful manor.”
The protest began just before 9 o’clock and ended shortly after noon.
Those arrested have since been released and there is no word yet on whether or not any charges will be laid.
The Secwepemc Women Warriors Society held the protest to mark the 2 year anniversary of the mine’s tailings pond breach.
The same group also blockaded access to the mine site last week.