🚨BREAKING: Street violence spreads from the US to Canada

Toronto tonight wasn’t a protest — it was an ambush.
Antifa rushed a “Canada First” rally.
One of them punched a police officer in the face.

This is the same pattern we’re seeing everywhere:
Daytime “activism.”… pic.twitter.com/VU1ExA0UOQ

— Jim Ferguson (@JimFergusonUK) January 11, 2026

The Toronto Police Service says officers were called to the Queen Street West and Bay Street area on Saturday afternoon as crowds gathered near Nathan Phillips Square. What began as a planned demonstration and counter-protest escalated into clashes that police say included assaults, disturbances and violence directed at officers.

In its update, police said officers “provided direction” to attendees to keep the peace, but some participants became combative, assaulted other people at the scene and ultimately assaulted police officers. The service said the incident resulted in eight arrests and 29 charges.

The numbers shifted over the weekend as police clarified details. Authorities said there were initially nine arrests at the demonstration, but one person was released without charges after further investigation. Police also noted earlier social media posts that referenced higher arrest figures before the final count was confirmed.

“Volatile” scene, police association alleges objects thrown

The Toronto Police Association, which represents thousands of uniform and civilian members, described the situation as “volatile” and condemned what it called unacceptable behaviour. The association alleged that while officers tried to keep the demonstration safe for everyone, some officers were pelted with eggs, struck with used toilet paper, and targeted with plastic bags containing what appeared to be urine. It also alleged that one officer was punched.

Police have not publicly provided a detailed breakdown of injuries, but the service said arrests were made and charges laid where officers had lawful grounds to do so.

The charges: from assault to alleged explosives

Police said the accused range in age from their early 20s to 50. The charge list spans multiple alleged offences, including assault, assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, and an allegation involving throwing an explosive with intent to cause bodily harm. Other charges cited by police include carrying a concealed weapon, mischief, theft, and alleged participation in an unlawful assembly.

CityNews reported that police identified several of those charged and said all are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks. Police said some accused are from outside Toronto, including Milton and Ottawa, while others are Toronto residents.

Police chief: “Violence … is unacceptable — full stop”

Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw publicly thanked frontline officers and condemned the violence. In a statement posted on social media and echoed in news coverage, Demkiw said: “This kind of violence against police officers, or anyone, is unacceptable — full stop.”

He added that officers are there to keep people safe, and that arrests and charges will follow whenever officers have lawful grounds — whether the individuals involved are protesters or counter-protesters.

What the demonstrations were about

The demonstration was promoted online by organizers connected to a right-wing nationalist movement advocating changes to federal immigration policy, according to reporting from CityNews. The rally drew a counter-protest framed around opposing hate and discrimination.

Toronto police have not released a full timeline of how the confrontation unfolded minute-by-minute, but said officers were present to manage safety as tensions rose and disorder spread around the gathering area.

What happens next

Police are asking anyone with information — including photos or video — to come forward. The service’s news release indicates the court process will proceed over the coming weeks as the accused make their appearances.

For Toronto, the bigger question is whether the city can prevent future demonstrations from escalating into violence, especially when competing groups converge in the downtown core. Police say they will continue to enforce the law and lay charges where warranted.