An investigation has been initiated following an alarming incident in which a snowplow drove through a crowd of pro-Palestinian demonstrators near the U.S. consulate on University Avenue. This incident took place on November 18, 2025, and has raised serious concerns among those present at the protest.
Footage shared on social media shows a sidewalk snowplow navigating slowly through the demonstrators, many of whom attempted to flag down the driver to stop. Witness Omar Mahmoud described the situation, stating, "In the middle of our chants, our messaging, a city-contracted tractor runs through the crowd, maybe to ram into us or to run over us. Luckily, we were on our toes and were successfully able to get out of the way." The footage has since drawn significant public attention.
After the incident, the snowplow driver was questioned by local law enforcement but was permitted to leave the scene shortly thereafter. The Toronto Police released a statement indicating that preliminary investigations revealed no evidence of criminal intent. They noted, "In addition to that, we have no victim or complainant — no one has come forward to make a report to police."
City Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her concern over the incident after viewing the footage, urging for a thorough investigation. "Thank goodness no one was hurt, but upon looking at that video, I have asked the city to investigate what has happened because this person obviously is driving an instrument that works for the City of Toronto, probably a private contractor," she commented.
The company implicated in the incident, A. & F. DiCarlo Construction Inc., one of two major contractors responsible for snow-clearing operations in the city, acknowledged that the event is under investigation; however, they declined to offer further commentary.
Mahmoud articulated his disbelief over the driver’s actions, stating, "I would beg the question, what positive purpose is there that a city contracted tractor is running through a crowd of people on the sidewalk? We weren’t on the street, we were on the sidewalk." His concerns reflect broader community calls for accountability and safety in public spaces during demonstrations.
While the police have deemed the encounter not to involve criminal behavior, the city’s investigation will evaluate whether safety protocols were breached and if any penalties may be imposed on the contractor involved. The city has yet to provide a timeline for the investigation's completion, leaving many in the community anxious for answers.
