Dozens arrested as gas protest turns violent in Rexton, NB
Posted Oct 17, 2013 02:14:15 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Police cars were lit on fire this afternoon on Route 134 in Rexton, New Brunswick amid anti-shale gas protests in the community.
Reporter Jason Chevrier says tensions escalated shortly before 1:30pm after word several members of Elsibogtog First Nation were arrested.
Police used pepper spray against anti-shale protesters and at least one man was arrested.
Protesters dispersed and allegedly set up to four RCMP vehicles ablaze near the Rexton village line.
Plumes of thick, black smoke can be spotted and Chevrier says fire trucks have been having difficulty getting to the fires.
For safety reasons, all three schools in Rexton have been closed today and students have been sent home.
The protesters, who include members of the Elsipogtog First Nation, want SWN Resources to stop seismic testing and leave the province.
Last week, Premier David Alward and Chief Arren Sock agreed to set up a working group to find a resolution.
Mid-afternoon, NB RCMP issues this news release:
The New Brunswick RCMP has arrested at least 40 people for various offences including firearms offences, uttering threats, intimidation, mischief, and for refusing to abide by a court injunction on Route 134, in Rexton, N.B.
The arrests were made on October 17, 2013, at the site of an ongoing protest. The court injunction was enforced and police were met with resistance by some of those at the site.
At least one shot was fired by someone other than police, Molotov cocktails were thrown at police, and at least five RCMP vehicles were destroyed by fire. The RCMP is also investigating suspected explosive devices at the scene.
“The RCMP has worked diligently with all parties involved in hopes for a peaceful resolution. Those efforts have not been successful. Tensions were rising, and serious criminal acts are being committed,” says Cst. Jullie Rogers-Marsh of the New Brunswick RCMP. “There have been threats made to employees who were working with a private security firm at the site, as well as firearms offences, incidents of intimidation, mischief and other criminal behavior. For those reasons, and to ensure public safety, police action was required.”
Police remain at the scene to deal with a large gathering of protesters, and continue to monitor the situation. A wide perimeter was set up around the area, in order to ensure public safety.
Route 134 at Rexton and Route 11 between Richibucto and Sainte-Anne-de-Kent remain closed to all traffic. Motorists are asked to use Route 126 instead of Route 11.
The public is reminded that a court injunction remains in effect and anyone who violates the conditions of that injunction could be arrested and face charges. The RCMP respects and protects the right to peaceful demonstration, however it must be done in a safe, peaceful and lawful manner.
