One person was arrested Tuesday night in Edmonton after an apparent white supremacist rally.
Edmonton police say a demonstration near 118 Ave and 82 Street grew to about 100 people by 8 pm. They said the people belonged to two opposing groups, and while disputes between the two sides mostly stayed verbal, officers did have to break up some physical fights.
The 39-year-0ld man who was arrested was later released without charges, police said. They added the crowd dispersed after about an hour, and no injuries were reported.
Witnesses on social media said the demonstration was organized by white supremacists.
Credible source reporting that there is a white supremacist rally happening right now on 82nd Street and 118 Ave in Edmonton. Disgusting. Stay safe everyone. #abpoli #yeg pic.twitter.com/IzqKSog6VE
— Darla Holiday (@darlaholiday) September 30, 2020
Edmonton NDP MLA Janis Irwin added the rally was happening only blocks from her home.
White supremacists are rallying literally blocks from my house. I am sickened. I am saddened. This needs to stop. To all my neighbours: I know this is not representative of our community. Please be safe. #yeg #ableg https://t.co/hNDPVvCw2r
— Janis Irwin (@JanisIrwin) September 30, 2020
Some social media posts also suggested the group behind the demonstration calls themselves “Canadian Patriots.”