On January 11, 2024, Toronto Police issued the following press release:
A 41-year-old Toronto man has been arrested and charged with Public Incitement of Hatred after a large demonstration on Sunday, January, 7, 2024, in the downtown area.
On Sunday, Maged Sameh Hilal Al Khalaf, 41, of Toronto, was arrested and charged after he allegedly marched in the Queen Street West and Bay Street area waving a flag of an organization listed as a terrorist group by Public Safety Canada.
Al Khalaf is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury Street, on Tuesday, February 23, 2024, at 2 p.m.
“Hate and intimidation can have no space in our city and we have been unwavering in our commitment to restore the sense of public safety, and not tolerate behavior that crosses the line to criminal activity,” said Myron Demkiw, Chief of Police, as he announced the significant arrest at today’s Toronto Police Services Board monthly meeting. “Our officers have worked tirelessly to manage 308 demonstrations ….exponentially more than any other city in Canada.”
Chief Demkiw says the demonstrations have escalated, particularly on the Avenue Road bridge over Highway 401, and now pose a public safety threat that has left many in the surrounding Jewish community feeling intimidated.
“Moving forward, demonstrations or the congregation of individuals on the Avenue Road overpass will not be permitted. People can expect to be arrested if necessary,” said Chief Demkiw.