5 arrests, 1 injured after demonstrators force their way into downtown building: police

One person was injured after demonstrators allegedly forced their way into an event where former members of the Israeli Defence Force were preparing to speak to a group of university students.

Toronto police say they were called to Elm and Bay streets just after 1 p.m. on Wednesday regarding a demonstration.

The gathering was being hosted off-campus by an organization called Students Supporting Israel, which is a registered student group at Toronto Metropolitan University. One of the organizers tells CityNews setup was still underway when about 50 people broke into the room. Those captured on video were wearing masks, and the glass on an interior door was smashed shortly before the event began.

In a release on Thursday, police said a group of protesters “forced entry into the building, damaging property, and entered a common area where attendees were gathered.”

Paramedics initially said they transported two people to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. However, in an update, police said one person was injured from broken glass.

It’s not clear if the demonstrators are affiliated with the school or any other student group. 

A statement from Hillel Ontario claims that Students for Justice in Palestine Toronto Metropolitan University put out a call to interfere with the event and encouraged others to do so.

“There should be no space for violence or intimidation on our campus or in our city. We call on the TMU administration to take urgent and immediate steps to ensure those who perpetrated today’s incident are held to account,” read the statement.

TMU said it was “deeply concerned” by the incident.

“TMU condemns any acts of aggression, intimidation, or violence, and our thoughts are with any students who may have been injured during the incident,” the university said in a statement. “The university is undertaking a review of policies to see what, if any further action, can be taken.”

Toronto Police say five people were arrested.

Nicole Baiton, 25, of Oakville, and Kiana Alexis, 22, of Toronto, are each charged with Forcible Entry, Member of Unlawful Assembly and Obstruct Peace Officer.

Fatimah Mugni, 23, of Toronto, is charged with Forcible Entry and Member of Unlawful Assembly.

Chelsea Wu, 29, of Toronto, is charged with Obstruct Peace Officer and Assault Peace Officer.

Manal Kamran, 21, of Toronto, is charged with Obstruct Peace Officer.

The accused have court dates scheduled for January.