OTTAWA – Pat King, a central figure in the 2022 “Freedom Convoy” protests in Ottawa, has been found guilty on five charges, including mischief and disobeying a court order. The verdict was delivered today in an Ottawa courtroom, where the judge ruled that the Crown had proven beyond a reasonable doubt King’s culpability in the following offenses:
- One count of mischief
- Counselling others to commit mischief
- Counselling others to obstruct police
- Two counts of disobeying a court order
However, the Alberta resident was acquitted on three counts of intimidation and one count of obstructing police.
King’s Role in the Protests
The defence maintained that King was exercising his right to peacefully protest during the three-week-long demonstration that brought Ottawa’s downtown core to a standstill in opposition to COVID-19 public-health measures.
The Crown, however, painted a different picture, portraying King as a protest leader who played a critical role in organizing and perpetuating the disruptions that severely impacted the city and its residents.
Evidence From King’s Social Media
Central to the Crown’s case were videos King himself had posted on social media throughout the convoy. These recordings, intended to document the protest and rally supporters, were pivotal in establishing his involvement in counseling others to commit unlawful acts and in obstructing police.
Context of the “Freedom Convoy”
The “Freedom Convoy” protests of early 2022 drew international attention as thousands of demonstrators converged on Ottawa, voicing opposition to COVID-19 mandates and broader government policies. The protests led to widespread disruptions in the city and prompted a significant law enforcement response, including the invocation of the Emergencies Act by the federal government.
King’s case marks another chapter in the legal fallout from the protest, as authorities continue to address the actions of key participants.
