Ottawa police chief resigns as Canadian 'Freedom Convoy' protest continues

Ottowa Police Chief Peter Sloly resigned on Tuesday following criticism for his lack of action amid the ongoing "Freedom Convoy" Canadian trucker protest against COVID-19 mandates.

Sloly criticized the protest in his resignation statement on Twitter.

"Since the onset of this demonstration, I have done everything possible to keep this city safe and put an end to this unprecedented and unforeseeable crisis," he wrote.

Ottowa police announced last week they would begin arresting people for bringing materials such as gasoline and food to support the demonstrators. 

"We have acquired new resources and enforcement tools, and stood up the new Integrated Command Centre. I am confident the Ottawa Police Service is now better positioned to end this occupation," Sloly said.

Residents have complained about the protest and a judge granted a 10-day injunction on honking in response to a class-action lawsuit against the demonstrators.

Ottawa police aggressively arrested a 4-foot-10-inches tall 78-year-old man that week and gave him a $118 "unnecessary noise" ticket for honking in support of the truckers.

Sloly said in his letter: "It has been a difficult journey, but I am incredibly proud of what we have
accomplished."

He also added that he gives his "utmost respect and admiration" to his now-former colleagues at the Ottawa Police Service.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday he would invoke the Emergencies Act for the first time in Canadian history in response to the ongoing demonstration.