Toronto Police took a firm stance against demonstrators during a heated protest outside a high-profile debate event Wednesday night, resulting in two arrests. The clash occurred as about 200 pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside Meridian Hall, where the Munk Debates were hosting a panel on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Charges Laid After Confrontation at Front and Yonge
The protest, which took place on the evening of December 4, 2025, escalated when demonstrators moved too close to the venue entrance. Police used a Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) to instruct the crowd to retreat and gave them a five-minute warning. When the order was not followed, officers physically pushed the protesters back to a designated line.
Police spokesperson Shannon Eames confirmed that two individuals were arrested. An adult male faces charges of assaulting a peace officer, attempting to disarm an officer, criminal harassment, and uttering death threats. An adult female was charged with criminal harassment. Authorities indicated a news release with further details was being prepared.
Debate Inside, Demonstrations Outside
The event inside Meridian Hall, the former O'Keefe Centre, was a Munk Debate on the two-state solution. Participants included former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who argued in favour, while former minister Ayelet Shaked and former ambassador Michael Oren argued against it.
Protesters outside criticized the absence of Palestinian voices on the stage and chanted, "War criminals, arrest them!" Some demonstrators breached security and entered the building but were removed by police. The protest was one of many in Toronto since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, but police handling of this event was notably more assertive.
A Shift in Policing Tactics Noted
Columnist Joe Warmington, who reported on the incident, described the police response as "well-handled" and "measured." He argued that professional protesters had become accustomed to ruling the scenes they descend upon, whether in Jewish neighbourhoods or in front of the Israeli consulate. The police pushback at Meridian Hall, he suggested, sent a clear message that such expectations would not always be met.
The incident has sparked discussion about policing standards during politically charged demonstrations. While the right to protest is protected under the Charter, police emphasized that following debate attendees down the street or threatening officers crosses a legal line. The successful management of this event, according to observers, demonstrates a viable template for handling future protests that threaten to impede access or public safety.
