Ottawa police issued nine charges against Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston Independent MP Randy Hillier in a press release Monday morning, saying he had complaints “about social media posts and other personal activities” during called Freedom Convoy. The charges are:
An accusation of attacking a peace official or a public official. Two categories for obstruction or resistance to a public official. A charge of obstruction or resistance to someone assisting a civil servant or peace officer. Three counts of felony counseling, two of which were considered vicious. Two categories for malice or obstruction of property over $ 5,000.
Hillier surrendered to Ottawa Police Department on Monday morning. He told reporters he did so after being called by police on Sunday.
He denied attacking a police officer, saying he greeted people only “with love and affection, hugs and handshakes.
“So, unless handshakes or warm hugs are now considered an attack, I have no idea,” he said.
Lawyer David Anber said he would like a bail hearing on Monday. Ottawa police said Hillier is expected to appear in court Monday.
Eastern Ontario Independent MP Randy Hillier arrives at Ottawa Police Headquarters on March 28, 2022. (Stephen Hoff / CBC)
There were calls for Hillier to be arrested in February when he wrote on Twitter that people should “keep on calling” after Ottawa police said people should stop calling “critical emergency and operational hotlines” to express their dissatisfaction with the police actions for cleaning the streets.
Hillier faces other charges for violating the rules of the COVID-19 pandemic and said Monday that he faces about 25 charges for various COVID-19 protests.
Earlier this month, Hillier said he would not run for re-election in June.
