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Protesters flock to the Port Coquitlam home of public safety minister Saturday, drawing RCMP to the scene

Protesters who showed up at Mike Farnworth's home today waved signs and brought large Canadian flags; in Surrey, RCMP are investigating reports of 'aggressive' protesters who surrounded members of the media
Protest at Mike Farnworth
Protesters wave signs at the home of Port Coquitlam MLA and public safety minister Mike Farnworth.

Protesters against COVID-19 public health mandates made their way to the home of Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth today (Feb. 19).

The rally occurred earlier this afternoon, drawing RCMP officers to the scene.

In a video posted to Twitter at approximately 3 p.m. protesters could be seen holding signs and there was a Canadian flag flying.

The Tri-City News has reached out to Coquitlam RCMP for comment.

Farnworth, who is B.C.'s public safety minister, solicitor general and deputy premier, has been on record as supporting the deployment of the federal Emergencies Act to end the protest in Ottawa.

In the country's capital today, police from several jurisdictions — including some from Vancouver — were deployed to end a three-week long protest in the country's seat of parliament.

Showing up at MLA Farnworth's private home drew the ire of some critics, including local radio host and former provincial politician Jas Johal.

Meanwhile, in Surrey, Mounties moved to stop traffic to the B.C. border due to protests.

A release explained the "preventative measure" to stop all access to the Pacific Highway Border Crossing was due to an ongoing protest that involved a trucker convoy.

In a follow up statement, Surrey RCMP said officers intervened in actions involving the media members.

Spokesperson Sgt. Elenore Sturko said police are "aware of several incidents from earlier today involving a group of aggressive protesters who surrounded members of the media."

She further stated the detachment will be following up with reporters and camera operators involved to gather their full accounts, including the collection of any video evidence.

“These kinds of acts of aggression and intimidation towards media, or any member of the public, are simply unacceptable,” stated Sturko.

“While it is not always safe for our officers to take immediate enforcement action at the time of the alleged offences based on the size of the crowd of protesters, these incidents will be fully investigated and could lead to subsequent arrests or charges.”

By 8 p.m., according to Surrey RCMP, most of the protesters had dispersed and RCMP were able to re-open 176th to traffic, allowing the public to access the border.