City investigating after videos show Toronto contractor driving snowplow through pro-Palestinian demonstration

Mayor Olivia Chow said Thursday the city is investigating after video captured the chaotic moment a contractor drove a small snowplow through a crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters on a Toronto sidewalk.

“Thank goodness no one was hurt,” Chow told reporters.

City spokesperson Russell Baker confirmed the contractor was doing a “dry run” ahead of the winter season at the time of the incident.

“The behaviour displayed is completely unacceptable and falls short of the standards we expect from contractors operating on behalf of the City of Toronto. This conduct does not reflect the City’s values and expectations,” Baker said in an emailed statement.

The incident happened on Tuesday evening as protesters rallied outside of the U.S. consulate on University Avenue in a demonstration that was being monitored by Toronto police officers.

Videos posted on social media show the driver pilot their orange Kubota tractor right through the crowd that had gathered on the sidewalk. One protester is seen trying to clear the way, while another briefly grabs the front plow before jumping out of the way.

“What the f–k is wrong with you?” one protester can be heard saying as another person in the crowd smacks the plow’s salter with a sign.

WATCH | Here’s one video of the incident that was posted on social media. Note: This video includes some profanity:

A photograph from the scene shows the driver giving the crowd the middle finger.

The vehicle has signage for A&F Di Carlo Construction, one of the companies contracted to do snow-clearing work in the City of Toronto. The plow’s salter has City of Toronto signage.

CBC Toronto is seeking comment from A&F Di Carlo and will update this story if one is received.

Toronto police officers stopped but didn’t charge driver

Toronto police officers did appear to stop the driver, though the service confirmed Wednesday evening that she is not facing any charges at this time.

Videos show the plow driver pulled over and speaking with police officers about a block north of where the incident took place.

In one, a protester shows an officer video of the incident on their phone. The officer appears to dismiss the concerns.

Another video shows police allowing the driver to leave the area following a discussion with an officer.

Toronto police said in a statement on Wednesday evening that “no complainants have come forward” in connection with the incident and that there were no injuries reported.

“At this point, we have no reason to believe there was any malicious intent by the driver,” police spokesperson Stephanie Sayer said in an email.

Sayer sent a follow-up statement on Thursday confirming no charges have been filed.

"We have no victim or complainant — no one has come forward to make a report to police. Without that, there is no basis for further investigation. If someone wishes to report the incident to police, that could change," Sayer said.