Global Issues and Local Community Impact as Anniversary of October 7th Attacks Draws Near

Released: October 3, 2024 at 4:53 p.m.

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As we approach the first anniversary of the October 7th attacks, it is clear that global issues continue to have local impacts. Affected community members continue to feel the impacts of this ongoing conflict. Rallies, demonstrations, and protests continue to take place in our community, communities across Canada, and around the world. The Service has provided support for these events through the deployment of members, with the intention of keeping everyone safe. Like other police services, the increased frequency has caused some operational strains. We commend the organizers of these events for finding the balance between gathering to highlight their concerns, while refraining from conducting counter-protests.  This has been a unique situation from what has been seen in other cities and it has minimized the need for significant police deployments. We thank the community for their cooperation when organizing these events.

In light of the Jewish high holidays, the Winnipeg Police Service will continue to provide a layered approach to community safety for those who are gathering.  This will include patrols by uniformed members.  Members will focus their attention on places of worship and gathering places during their regular duties, with officers dedicated to this task at times where large gatherings are expected. With the increase of hate-related incidents, both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic, we are working with community leaders to help everyone feel safe.

Locally, we have seen Pro-Palestinian events held weekly.  We expect these will continue, with the next one planned for Saturday, October 5th.   There is also a gathering planned to mark the anniversary at the Asper Campus on October 7th.  The Winnipeg Police Service will be on hand to monitor both events.

The Winnipeg Police Service respects the right to freedom of expression and lawful assembly. The expectation is that citizens will behave peacefully and respectfully. Police must balance the rights of individuals to gather with the need to ensure public safety and keep the peace.

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