Early Monday morning, Ontario MPP Randy Hillier surrendered to Ottawa police to face nine charges related to his participation in the Freedom Convoy protests last month.

Hillier alerted the public via the Toronto Sun late Sunday that he’d been asked to surrender to Ottawa police and believes he will be released shortly following a bail hearing. He also faces charges related to alleged actions taken during prior anti-vaccine-mandate protests. Hiller said that he’s now facing around 25 charges.

Hillier’s new charges include Assaulting a Peace or Public Officer, Obstructing or Resisting a Public Officer, Mischief/Obstruct Property Exceeding $5,000, and Counsel An Uncommitted Indictable Offence.

“In February, Ottawa Police received multiple complaints about social media posts and other activities of an individual as part of the ongoing illegal protests,” said police in a news release.

“An investigation was commenced, and information gathered by a police task force initiated to investigate criminal behaviour during the protest. That task force continues its work.”

Hillier said that he’s baffled by the first charge of assaulting a peace or public officer. He further stated that he only approached people at the protest with “love and affection and embrace and handshakes.”

“So, unless handshakes or warm embraces are now considered assault, I have no idea, Hillier told reporters.

Hillier is now scheduled to appear in court later today, with lawyers hoping he receives a bail hearing.
All charges against Hillier are yet to be proven in court, and despite reports from the mainstream media and claims from the federal government, no weapons charges have been laid against anyone involved in the Freedom Convoy protest, and FINTRAC says the Convoy posed no violent extremist threat.