Protesters clash at Toronto city hall with 'eggs, used toilet paper' and perhaps urine

Eight people were arrested and 29 charges were laid following an explosive demonstration and counter-demonstration in downtown Toronto on Saturday afternoon, including three arrests for allegedly assaulting police officers.

In a Sunday news release, the Toronto Police Service said officers were called to Nathan Phillips Square, near Queen Street West and Bay Street, after tensions escalated between opposing groups. While not identified by TPS, a large group of counter-protesters showed up to a Canada First “Stop Mass Immigration Rally” being held in the area on Saturday.

Police said they attempted to maintain order, but participants became disruptive, engaged in physical confrontations with each other and, in some cases, with officers.

The Toronto Police Association condemned the behaviour of some participants, calling it “completely unacceptable and disgusting.

“While trying to keep the situation safe for everyone, our members were pelted with eggs, used toilet paper, and plastic bags filled with what appeared to be urine. One police officer was punched,” it wrote in a statement on X, noting none sustained serious injuries.

“Our members will always facilitate peaceful and lawful demonstrations but this violence cannot and will not be tolerated. We are so proud of our members and we will continue to support them.”

In his statement on X, Chief Myron Demkiw also denounced all participants’ actions as “unacceptable — full stop” and offered thanks to the responding officers, who “deserve to do their jobs without being attacked.”

“As we have said many times, when officers have the lawful grounds to do so, arrests will be made and charges laid — anywhere in the city, whether involving protesters or counter-protesters.”

Three of the accused — a 25-year-old from Milton, along with a 35-year-old and a 27-year-old from Toronto — face charges including assaulting a police officers. Two of them are also charged with throwing an explosive with intent to cause bodily harm, carrying concealed weapons, and participating in an unlawful assembly while masked.

A 35-year-old Toronto resident was charged with theft, mischief and participating in an unlawful assembly. A 31-year-old from Toronto and a 23-year-old from Ottawa were both charged with obstructing a peace officer and disguising themselves with intent. A 50-year-old Toronto resident was also charged with obstruction and unlawful assembly.

A 24-year-old from Toronto faces charges of assault and participating in an unlawful assembly.

Police said a ninth person was initially arrested by later released unconditionally after further investigation.

All the accused are scheduled to appear in court on the morning of Feb. 26, 2026.

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