Toronto police chief Bill Blair admitted police had struggled to control the crowds, and had used tear gas on one occasion, after warning people to stay away from trouble spots. “We have never seen that level of wanton criminality and vandalism and destruction on our streets,” he told an evening news conference.
At least 130 people were arrested, including some Blair believed were ringleaders of the rioting that started when several hundred anarchists broke away from a large, peaceful demonstration against the top-level meeting.
During an afternoon and night of rioting, police cars were set ablaze in at least two areas, including the city’s Bay Street financial core, while protesters on hip Queen Street smashed storefronts and damaged media trucks.
By evening, some protesters had advanced to the metal fence sealing off the area where heads of state from the Group of 20 industrialized and developing countries were meeting. A downtown hotel was locked down, with riot police outside.
Banks, coffee shops and small stores were also targets and protesters looted at least one retailer, storming out with both clothing and the white arms and legs of fashion mannequins.
