RCMP probes ‘acts of brutality’ on Coastal GasLink site in B.C.

Key takeaways: 

• No suspects have been determined, no one in charge, state police.
• Coastal GasLink states “millions of dollars” in damage was incurred during a likely incursion at one of its worksites on Feb. 17. 

RCMP investigates the worksites after the apparent attack: 

RCMP states they’re probing following a “violent fight” involving Coastal GasLink (CGL) workers, attending officers, and an unknown group of approximately 20 individuals. Source – cbc.ca

Police were called to the Marten Forest Service Road close to Houston, B.C., soon after midnight on Feb. 17. They tell CGL security reported brutality at the worksite.

RCMP stated around 20 individuals had allegedly battered security guards in a press release. They have not offered details regarding suspected motivation or who they think is reliable.

Police state the road was clogged with downed trees, tar-covered stumps, wire, and boards with spikes. As they made their way along the street, they say that individual tossed smoke bombs and fire-lit sticks and that one officer was wounded.

In a media release, CGL said none of its workers were hurt.

RCMP media relations Cpl. Madonna Saunderson stated that no suspects had been identified, and no one was in detention. 

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Further down the street, the police state, there was much damage to hefty machinery and buildings. CGL stated there were “millions of dollars in damage” but still figuring the cost. Source – cbc.ca

Police are pleading to the public for any data regarding the happening. 

A hotly-contested pipeline

CGL is building a hotly-contested pipeline through the Wet’suwet’en region in northwestern B.C.

The firm states the project is wholly authorized and permitted by the government and has the backing of all 20 First Nation band councils, including five of the six band councils in the Wet’suwet’en Nation.

However, Wet’suwet’en genetic chiefs have fought the project; speaking, band councils do not have control over land beyond reserve boundaries.