(This story, published April 29, removes unnecessary notes and alters “arrests”, to “arrest” at headline

Blair Gable and Jenna Zucker

(Reuters) – Police in Ottawa arrested several individuals after a protest by many bikers, pedestrians, and vehicles waving Canadian flags passed through the city.

Friday’s march was protest against government claims of overreach and took place less than three months following a truckers movement that paralyzed capital for three weeks.

Ottawa Police stated in a Twitter message that several suspects had been detained and that they were ensuring safety.

The organizers of Friday’s “Rolling Thunder Ottawa” convoy claim they’re there to support “freedom and veterans.” Local media report that many of those involved were present at the protest against cross-border vaccine truckers, and they are now in Ottawa.

As police added additional officers, several honking trucks and protesters marched through Ottawa shouting freedom and atop pick-up cars and vehicles.

Ottawa Police tweeted that multiple vehicles tried to take over a downtown parking garage, but only one of them left.

Ottawa Police had been criticised over their handling February’s protests. In preparation for the Friday march, they brought additional staff.

Justin Trudeau, Liberal Prime Minister and author of the February federal budget invoked rarely used emergency powers to disperse Ottawa’s protests. Police arrested many people for blocking downtown near Parliament. They also blocked the border crossing to the United States that were crucially important.

Neil Sheard, a former soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces is the organizer of Friday’s protest.

Sheard stated in a YouTube video that his intention is to lay an honor wreath at the National War Memorial to show respect for veterans. Some other groups are taking part in protests against the government, and mandates.

Sheard indicated that he would support any group fighting for the freedom and security of Canadians. He believes veterans paid for freedom of speech.

Andrew MacGillivray of Freedom Fighters Canada, a participant in the Freedom Fighters Canada group, stated that “the rights and freedoms for Canadians are eroding” and that he would continue to pursue lawful and civic action to restore these fundamental rights.

Events that began on Friday will end on Sunday.