Mayor Olivia Chow announced on Thursday that the city is looking into an incident where a contractor drove a small snowplow through a group of pro-Palestinian protesters on a Toronto sidewalk. “Thankfully, no one was injured,” Chow informed the media. City spokesperson Russell Baker confirmed that the contractor was conducting a “dry run” in preparation for the upcoming winter season at the time of the occurrence.
Baker stated via email, “The behavior exhibited is entirely unacceptable and does not meet the standards we expect from contractors working on behalf of the City of Toronto. This action does not align with the City’s values and expectations.” The incident occurred on Tuesday evening as protesters gathered outside the U.S. consulate on University Avenue, a demonstration being monitored by Toronto police.
Videos circulating on social media captured the moment the driver of the orange Kubota tractor plowed through the assembled crowd on the sidewalk. While one protester attempted to clear a path, another briefly engaged with the plow before moving out of harm’s way. A protester can be heard questioning the driver’s actions, while another individual in the crowd struck the plow’s salter with a sign. A photo from the scene depicts the driver making an offensive gesture toward the crowd.
Omar Mahmoud, a protester present during the demonstration, recounted that the group was voicing demands regarding the U.S. plan for Gaza when the plow approached, instilling fear among the protesters. “As a Palestinian in this community, you are constantly anxious about such incidents. Your worst fears become a reality,” Mahmoud expressed. The vehicle bore signage for A&F Di Carlo Construction, one of the companies contracted for snow-clearing duties in Toronto, with the plow displaying City of Toronto branding.
Fausto Di Carlo, spokesperson for A&F Di Carlo Construction Inc., addressed the incident, stating that the company was aware of the unfortunate occurrence involving its sidewalk plow equipment. Di Carlo clarified that their crew was engaged in a preseason practice run as stipulated by their contract. The company had informed the city but was not alerted to any unusual activities in the area. Di Carlo emphasized that the operator, a trained and experienced individual, acted in response to perceived personal safety concerns and carefully navigated the situation. The company promptly reported the incident to the city and committed to implementing measures to prevent a recurrence.
Although Toronto police officers intervened, they did not press charges against the driver at the time of the incident. Footage shows the driver being stopped by police officers a block away from the scene, with one protester sharing video evidence with an officer, who appeared dismissive. The police confirmed that no complaints were lodged, no injuries reported, and there was no apparent malicious intent by the driver. Mahmoud expressed disappointment in the lack of accountability, citing a loss of trust in law enforcement among Toronto’s Palestinian community.