A City of Peace Taken Hostage by Violence

The normally communal and peaceful city of Toronto, Ontario went into lockdown when G20 protestors became violent and destructive.   

Police cars were set on fire, glass windows shattered, and a powerful city was brought to a stand-still.  Over 400 people have been arrested since Saturday as the violence escalated, leaving residents stranded, worried and helpless.  The city went into emergency lock-down.  This type of chaos has never before been witnessed in Toronto, and Canadians found themselves in a staggering state of disbelief. 

In case you missed the newsreels, here are the highlights of the anarchy:

• Police cars were set ablaze, others were commandeered and vandalized
• Bricks were dug up from a median and thrown through windows of businesses
• Windows were smashed and shattered
• Protest statements were spray-painted on business buildings
• Toronto police headquarters were hit, forcing it into lockdown
• The three major hospitals, Mount Sinai, Sick Kids and Toronto General went into lockdown
• Public transit was completely shutdown, as the city went into emergency lockdown
• Major highways and local streets were closed

Toronto police took to the streets in riot gear, using rubber bullets against the anarchists.  For the first time in the city’s history, tear gas was used on the crowd.  The morning after revealed a city in shock, trying to clean up the debris.  Garbage, broken glass, mangled bicycles, strewn bricks and rock and boarded windows are among the haunting reminders of the violence.  Unbroken in spirit, citizens of Toronto rallied behind their police force, offering support and gratitude, as many stopped to shake hands and commend police for their exhaustive efforts to protect the city.