Tensions boiled over in downtown Toronto this weekend, resulting in multiple arrests after a demonstration organized by the group Canada First was met by a large and aggressive counter-protest. Toronto Police reported that nine individuals were taken into custody during the volatile clashes, which saw officers allegedly assaulted and targeted with a barrage of unsanitary and dangerous projectiles.
Violence Erupts at City Hall Demonstration
The incident unfolded on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Nathan Phillips Square. Police were on scene to maintain order between participants in the Canada First "Stop Mass Immigration Rally" and a counter-protest comprised of individuals identifying with Antifa, local unions, and some regular participants of the pro-Palestinian movement.
According to the Toronto Police Association (TPA), the situation quickly deteriorated. Officers were "pelted with eggs, used toilet paper, and plastic bags filled with what appeared to be urine," stated TPA president Clayton Campbell, who called the behaviour "completely unacceptable and disgusting." Police also reported that a smoke bomb was thrown from the crowd toward officers.
One police officer was allegedly punched, and three officers were assaulted in total. Police sources indicated that most of the unruly conduct originated from counter-protesters attempting to breach police lines to reach the Canada First group.
Arrests and Charges Laid Following Clashes
In an update on Sunday, Toronto Police confirmed that of the nine original arrests, eight individuals were charged. One person was released unconditionally. In total, 29 charges were laid in connection with the event.
Those charged include: Mahnoor Mohyuddin, 25, of Milton; Jennifer Vong, 35, of Toronto; Kyle Stephens, 35, of Toronto; Woodrow Fraser-Boychuck, 31, of Toronto; Abe Bergias, 23, of Ottawa; Darcy Belanger, 50, of Toronto; Bryn Williams, 24, of Toronto; and Charles Kaakee, 27, of Toronto.
Lawyer and journalist Caryma Sa'd, who documented the event, noted that police managed to keep the gathering reasonably peaceful while it remained on Nathan Phillips Square. However, she reported that the situation became more difficult to control when it moved to Bay Street.
Divergent Views Fuel the Conflict
The rally itself featured speeches that inflamed the counter-protesters. Canada First founder and president Joe Anidjar told the crowd, "If you come to this country, you respect our way of life... if you can't do that, go back home."
This rhetoric was swiftly condemned by some local politicians. Toronto Councillor Neethan Shan (Scarborough—Rouge Park) told CBC Toronto that such "xenophobia" and "anti-immigrant sentiments" are spread deliberately to create fear and a foundation for racism and hate.
Anidjar rejected the characterization of racism, telling CBC that his rally was attended by a multicultural crowd from various backgrounds who want to preserve Canadian culture and identity.
Clayton Campbell of the TPA emphasized that while police will always facilitate peaceful and lawful demonstrations, the violence witnessed on Saturday "cannot and will not be tolerated." He praised officers for preventing the situation from escalating further, stating they found a necessary balance between allowing charter rights and maintaining public safety.
In a social media post after the event, Joe Anidjar hinted at more demonstrations to come, signing off with "Until next time!" The event underscores the ongoing challenges police face in managing deeply polarized public demonstrations in Canada's largest city.
