The demonstrators who turned out to protest against racial and religious bigotry far outnumbered those who gathered near city hall as part of a rally put on by an anti-Islam group.
A few dozen members of Pegida Canada, also known as Patriots of Canada Against the Islamization of the West, were joined by a handful of supporters for what the group was calling its "We Value Our Culture #Freedom Rally." The group was met by upwards of 500 anti-hate demonstrators.
London police say, for the most part, things were peaceful as opposing viewpoints were voiced and often shouted. But police say there were two arrests. According to the London Free Press, one of the people arrested was a man from the group, The Three Percenters, who were at the rally to provide security for Pegida members, while the other person arrested was Bailey Lamon, a local activist and member of Occupy London. Police say the incidents that led to the arrests are under investigation and charges are pending.
After the rallies ended, Mayor Matt Brown sent out a tweet to express his appreciation for the relatively peaceful nature of the rallies.
Thank you, #LdnOnt. pic.twitter.com/tpZYwSKx0r
— Matt Brown (@MayorMattBrown) August 26, 2017