The United States consulate in Montreal is telling American citizens to avoid protests that are being planned in this city as Donald Trump is inaugurated as U.S. president.
In a message posted on the consulate general website on Thursday, officials cite safety concerns to suggest U.S. citizens in Montreal stay away from the demonstrations.
“Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence,” reads the message, labeled “Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Planned Demonstrations in Montreal.”
“You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.”
The message identifies three protests planned for Friday and Saturday in downtown Montreal, but doesn’t mention the organizers or the themes.
The demonstrations, including one planned for 11 a.m. Friday near Place-des-Arts métro station and another planned for 6 p.m. at Phillips Square, are being organized to protest against Trump, who is to be inaugurated at noon.
The message mentions a third protest on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the esplanade of Place des Arts. That demonstration – the Women’s March on Washington-Montreal – will be one of more than 300 simultaneous protests to be held across the U.S. and in at least 30 other countries in reaction to Trump’s election.
The consulate’s message says “a group of 2,000 are scheduled to gather at Esplanade de la Place des Arts for a protest.” The protest organizer’s event page on Facebook shows 3,200 Facebook users have indicated they’ll attend and another 5,800 are interested.
