Ontario anti-masker thanks Kelowna RCMP after large rally for service

Controversial anti-mask protester Chris Saccoccia has thanked the Kelowna RCMP for their service following a protest in the city this week.

Saccoccia, based out of Ontario and known by his online personality Chris Sky, is known for holding anti-COVID-19 restriction protests across Canada as part of a “freedom convoy” including in Kelowna. On Thursday, April 22, he posed with protestors, smoked weed and signed autographs before addressing a crowd of a few hundred people in Stuart Park, according to his Twitch feed.

“There was not one visible police officer, and there’s a very good reason for that,” he said via Twitter, as Kelowna was peaceful and police officers on bikes told anti-COVID-19-restriction rally protestors that they were there to ensure people stayed safe and to help fight for their freedoms.

Saccoccia also shared a photo to social media of himself shaking hands with a Kelowna RCMP officer outside of Kelowna’s Cactus Club, but noted the photo was not from the rally.

Saccoccia's website and Twitter feed state his convoy will arrive in Regina today. Saskatchewan premier Scott Moe has condemned Saccoccia’s actions.

Earlier this month, Saccoccia was banned from Instagram for violation of community standards including for spreading COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and debunked hoaxes, according to VICE.

He was also charged last year for breaking federal quarantine rules, according to CP24.

The Kelowna RCMP could not be immediately reached for comment.

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