Multiple arrests occurred Wednesday afternoon after a group of protesters allegedly forced their way into a building in downtown Toronto. The incident took place near Elm and Bay streets around 1:13 p.m., according to police reports.

The event was organized by a group called Students Supporting Israel (SSI) from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). It was scheduled to feature two American soldiers who served in the Israeli Defense Force. Jonah, a student organizer who requested to use only his first name for safety reasons, stated that about ten people were inside preparing for the event when dozens of counter-protesters broke in, resulting in shattered glass.

“This was supposed to be an off-campus, private event. We were talking about having an open dialogue and communication about Israel and the Middle East. We were supposed to hear from both sides, talk about what’s going on,” Jonah explained.

During the chaos, glass struck two attendees, prompting emergency medical services to respond. Both individuals were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Police arrested two people at the scene, and later updates indicated that a total of five individuals were arrested for their involvement in the protest.

Bria Scott, a TMU alumna, attended the area to observe the counter-protest. She expressed her disapproval of SSI's activities, suggesting that the group should lose its student organization status. “I came down here to check in with the students and make sure that they were OK. I was a little bit too late, so I caught up with them on the street when they were peacefully dispersing the group,” Scott said.

The police presence in the area was significant immediately following the incident, but by around 3 p.m., only a few police cars remained as investigators continued to assess the situation. The police confirmed that they are still investigating the events that transpired during the protest and the subsequent arrests. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation continues.