Hamilton Police charge three people in Sunday’s Hugs Over Masks protest

Three people have been charged in the Hugs Over Masks protest at Hamilton city hall on Sunday.

Police say they contacted the event’s organizer before the protest to warn of charges.

Hamilton Police say over 35 people attended the event, which is more than the number permitted for an outdoor gathering.

Hamilton is under the province’s red “control” level of COVID-19 restrictions, which limits the number of people permitted at organized public events to 25.

Police say the organizer, a 26-year-old man from Hamilton, was present at the event and was charged.

A court date has been set for Jan 11.

Two attendees, a 48-year-old and 72-year-old, both from Hamilton were also charged.