Arrest made after bomb threat against Windsor mayor’s residence
Posted February 17, 2022 3:39 pm.
Last Updated February 17, 2022 7:09 pm.
Police in Windsor, Ont. arrested a woman after she allegedly made a bomb threat explicitly targeting the home of mayor Drew Dilkens.
Police say the threat was made on Monday within a social media thread related to conversations surrounding COVID-19 and current mandates. It’s believed the threats are “directly related to ongoing pandemic measures.”
On Thursday, investigators arrested a 31-year-old Windsor, Ont. woman who faced charges related to making threats. She was released on an undertaking with conditions and a future court date.
“Regardless of your opinion on vaccinations or Justin Trudeau or myself or Doug Ford, we all just have to step back and take a breath and realize that we’re dealing with human beings and that we all have more in common than differences,” Mayor Drew Dilkens said in a phone interview with The Canadian Press.
RELATED: Windsor police make several arrests as officers begin removal of protesters at Ambassador Bridge
On Friday, a judge ordered an end to the blockade at the Ambassador Bridge crossing in Windsor with Ontario Premier Doug Ford declaring a state of emergency. This allows for fines of $100,000 and up to one year in jail for anyone illegally blocking roads, bridges, walkways and other critical infrastructure.
Dilkens often spoke out condemning the actions of some protesters who gathered at or near the bridge. He said a threat to his home, where he lives with his wife and children, was crossing the line.
“I get that I’m the mayor of a city and I signed up for that job, but first and foremost, I’m a husband and a father,” he said.
“I’ve got very broad shoulders and I’ve become very accustomed to people taking issue with some of the decisions I’ve made, whether as a councillor or as the mayor of the city, but this development goes well beyond any political disagreements.”
He said he wants people to know that his life has also suffered during the pandemic.
“This has been the worst two years of my life. I’ve had to remind myself many times that I knocked on doors and asked for this job,” Dilkens added. “No politician ever wants to shut down arenas, community centres, pools and make your life more difficult. We all want to make your life better.”
Protests entered their 21st day in the nation’s capital as police ramped up efforts to make a move on the occupation site.
With files from The Canadian Press
