Three days after one person was killed after dozens of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and Ku Klux Klan members clashed with counter-protesters in Charlottesville, Va., Calgary police are saying there’s been a worrying increase in alt-right extremist messaging at home.
“I think it would be fair to say that we’re definitely concerned about an increase in the amount of alt-right extreme messaging that is leaning towards that it’s alright to use violence to accomplish your goals and your objectives,” Calgary Police Insp. Chris Butler said Tuesday. “That does appear to be a trend that we’re monitoring and we are concerned about.
“It would be naïve to think that a protest such as what we’ve seen in Charlottesville could not possibly happen here in Calgary. I think that it certainly could.”
WATCH: Calgary has seen racial tensions rise in the past and police say it would be naïve to think something like the violence in Virginia couldn’t happen in Alberta. Nancy Hixt reports
Butler said alt-right groups have always had a presence in Calgary, noting the cyclical nature of their strength.
“At certain periods they seem to have a lot more members, a lot more momentum behind their message and other times they seem to shrink back for a period of time,” he said, explaining opposing groups are prone to becoming “unhinged” and turning violent quickly.
“Our goal here with CPS is when we have events, protests, public gatherings that are occurring, our planning process includes a very detailed risk assessment.”
That police work includes building relationships in diverse communities and working with organizers to find out about their objectives for the 600-some protests that take place each year in Calgary.
Watch below: Insp. Chris Butler speaks to police responsibilities when it comes to dealing with rallies.
“If a risk assessment for any event gives us an indication that there’s a likelihood for violence or a violent clash between the opposing groups, we police that appropriately,” Butler said.
“We’re constantly monitoring…what is the level of aggression? What is the level of hate? How deeply are they attempting to incite violence with other groups? What efforts are they going to to counter-measure the police response? All of these things are taken into consideration.”
Watch below: Insp. Chris Butler explains that despite the fact the majority of Calgarians find certain points of view “distasteful,” it’s their responsibility to protect freedom of speech.
Calgary police have also been privy to workshops with American police officers: a commander from Ferguson, Missouri made a visit to provide information on lessons learned in their situation.
“The reality is the opinions of some of these groups, the majority of Calgarians find extremely distasteful and unpleasant,” Butler said. “And what our job is, in those situations is as a police service, is to protect their right to express that opinion no matter how distasteful you might find it.
“They have the right to assemble and express that opinion.”
While there may be a concern about an increase in extremist protests turning violent in the city, CPS Hate Crimes Coordinator Const. Craig Collins, who has 25 years of experience in policing, says the idea of “hate” is found everywhere.
“Do I see the same amount of hate in Calgary as other areas of the world that I’ve worked? No I don’t see the same amount of hate,” Collins said.
“Is there hate in Calgary? There’s hate in every city in this world.”
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