28-05-2025
13 arrested outside CANSEC weapons fair
Thirteen people protesting Canada's largest weapons were arrested Wednesday, according to Ottawa police.
Police said 12 individuals were arrested outside the EY Centre where the event is being held for assaulting police and mischief. On more individual was arrested during a related demonstration outside police headquarters on Elgin Street.
Police did not answer CBC's request to provide details of any charges against those arrested, saying they'd announce further updates on X.
Police said most of the arrests came shortly before 11 a.m. No injuries were reported, and Uplands Drive has now been reopened after being briefly closed due to the demonstration.
The demonstration was organized by World Beyond War Canada, a organization calling for an end to war profiteering.
CANSEC is an annual national defence tools and weapons showcase that attracts exhibitors and buyers from around the world. The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) has hosted the fair in Ottawa since 1998.
A Swiss national was arrested outside the EY Centre during last year's event. A video later surfaced showing what appeared to be a man striking a woman wearing a hijab, knocking her to the ground.
Altogether, police said they arrested nine people during last year's fair.
