Video of Officer Appearing to Support Freedom Convoy Protests Sparks Probe
A viral TikTok video of a Canadian police officer appearing to show support for the "Freedom Convoy" protest has sparked an internal investigation.
In the video uploaded to TikTok on February 12, an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer spoke to the occupants of a vehicle during a traffic stop.
At one point in the clip, the officer can be heard saying: "I get what you guys are doing. I support you guys 100 percent. I haven't been to Ottawa, but I've heard nothing but great things for our protesters."
The video, which can be seen here, was uploaded by TikTok user bamybear, and included the hashtags "freedomconvoy2022" and "freedomconvoy2022CA."
Since being uploaded onto the social media platform, the clip has amassed more than 235,200 views and some 25,800 likes.
An OPP spokesperson later announced in a series of Twitter posts on Sunday that police were aware of the video and that an internal investigation had been launched.
The spokesperson said in the three posts: "The OPP is aware of a Feb. 12th video, taken during a traffic stop, that has raised concerns about professionalism and depicts opinions that are not in line with the OPP's values. We recognize that views expressed by the member has caused public upset.
"The OPP does not condone current illegal activity. Under the state of emergency, those who defy the law will be held accountable. Our role is to ensure public safety and keep the peace. Officers must maintain the highest standard of conduct, integrity and ethical behavior."
1/2 The OPP is aware of a Feb. 12th video, taken during a traffic stop, that has raised concerns about professionalism and depicts opinions that are not in line with the OPP’s values. We recognize that views expressed by the member has caused public upset.
— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) February 13, 2022
2/2 The OPP does not condone current illegal activity. Under the state of emergency, those who defy the law will be held accountable. Our role is to ensure public safety and keep the peace. Officers must maintain the highest standard of conduct, integrity and ethical behaviour.
— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) February 13, 2022
In another Twitter post, the spokesperson confirmed OPP command and the professional standard unit had launched an internal investigation into the allegation.
The OPP post concluded: "We cannot comment or speculate on the outcome of the investigation."
None of the posts identified the police officer in the video and the exact location of the clip is unknown at this time.
Newsweek has contacted the OPP for comment.
Police officers have been scrutinized over their handling of the freedom convoy protests which call for an end to pandemic restrictions in Canada.
Protesters have blockaded roads in the Canadian capital of Ottawa as well as in Windsor, another city in Ontario.
Last week an Edmonton police officer shared a video where she praised the protest and suggested the vaccine mandates were "unlawful" and "unsafe."
According to CTV News, Constable Elena Golysheva identified herself in a three-minute-long speech that went viral on social media. The Edmonton Police Service later confirmed to the network the officer was one of their employees.
An EPS spokesperson told CTV News: "We are in the process of reviewing the video. That's all I am able to share at this time."
The protest gained momentum in January as people railed against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's requirement for unvaccinated truckers to quarantine if they crossed the border with the U.S.
Protesters had raised some $8 million in funding to support their cause, which they say is pro-freedom and against government overreach. Fundraiser website GiveSendGo, where the donations were accepted, appears to have been hacked and now directs to a maintenance page.
