Defund HPS protesters leave coffin outside Hamilton mayor’s home

The group Defund HPS have left a coffin in front of Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger’s home.

The move came hours after the groups tents were removed from the city hall forecourt on Monday.

According to the group, the coffin symbolizes people who have died because of homelessness and policing. They held a vigil on Sunday night to commemorate them.

“He did not attend that vigil so we have brought that vigil here to him.”

Eisenberger should have to see and feel the harm he has done. You cannot dispose of human beings. You cannot ignore us. You cannot let people die this winter. 2/2 #HousingIsAhumanRight #defundhps #DefundThePolice pic.twitter.com/8npXEfoxJ0

— Defund HPS (@DefundHPS) December 1, 2020

The group had been outside city hall for a week.

They are calling for the city to cut the Hamilton Police Service’s budget by 50 per cent and for that money to be redirected to free public housing.

Eisenberger has said he does not support defunding the police.

Hamilton Police say they are investigating. They say there was a police presence in the area overnight and it will continue throughout the day.