‘Freedom Convoy’ protest organizer Chris Barber arrested in Ottawa

One of the key “Freedom Convoy” protest organizers was arrested on Thursday, February 17 in downtown Ottawa.

Ottawa police confirm with CityNews that Chris Barber has been arrested. It’s not yet clear if he’s been charged, or what charges he may be facing in connection to the ongoing trucker convoy protests.

He is one of names listed on the class action lawsuit filed with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, alongside Tamara Lich and Benjamin Dichter.

Police made at least two other arrests on Thursday in downtown Ottawa.

NEW: Our reporter on the ground @MarkDayNews tells us police have made an arrest in the crowd. #OttNews pic.twitter.com/88bx4YFkcB

— CityNews Ottawa (@CityNewsOttawa) February 17, 2022

On Wednesday, February 16, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) released a list of repercussions convoy protesters could face if they fail to end their occupation of the city's downtown core.

On that list, which police handed out to protesters on Thursday, includes criminal charges for mischief, fines of up to $5,000 and potential prison sentences of up to five years.

The list also warns protesters that they could see their vehicle and property seized or removed, as well as the suspension or cancellation of their driver's license.

Here is the last warning being handed out by police #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/RkbnptEgJm

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) February 17, 2022

According to OPS interim chief Steve Bell, police now have everything they need to end the trucker convoy protests “in the coming days.”

“We now have the ability to remove [protesters] and have the resources and techniques to do that,” Bell said during a special city council meeting on Wednesday. “Our hope is as they look to the coming days, people will see our determination to get them to leave. If they don’t, then we have the means to remove them.

“We also have appropriate and lawful methods to remove anyone who refuses. Some of the techniques we are lawfully able and prepared to use are not what we are used to seeing in Ottawa. But we are prepared to use them where necessary to bring about the safest outcome and restore order.”

CityNews learned two buses filled with police officers made their way to Parliament Hill on Thursday morning after police and equipment were spotted near the Ottawa airport.

Currently, the protests have been occupying downtown Ottawa for three weeks.

With files from Michael Talbot and Lucas Casaletto