Live: Police pushing to end trucker convoy blockade in Ottawa

Police in Ottawa are cracking down on the so-called “Freedom Convoy” that has occupied the Canadian capital for 24 days.

Police arrested some protesters that were wearing body armour and had smoke grenades on them. They also had miscellaneous fireworks in their bags, the police said.

As of Saturday evening, a total of 170 arrests were made.

In statements posted on Twitter on Saturday, Ottawa police described encounters with the convoy demonstrators as “assaultive” and “aggressive.”

As a result, officers on the ground were equipped with helmets and batons for their own safety.

Police continue to urge the crowds to leave peacefully.

In the West Block, MPs in the House of Commons resumed their debate Saturday on the government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act that had to be paused Friday because of security concerns.

The debate is scheduled to continue on Sunday and Monday, with a final vote set for 8 p.m. Monday.

-With files from The Canadian Press

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by Global News