Footage from outside New Zealand’s parliament building showed violent clashes on Wednesday between police and anti-vax protesters, who have been demonstrating there for nearly four weeks.
Hundreds of officers in riot gear moved in on the camp where protesters had gathered, destroying tents, removing vehicles and making 38 arrests. Authorities responded using tripwires, plywood shields, pitchforks and fire extinguishers in a bid to repel police.
Addressing the situation in parliament on Wednesday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden stated that “police expected there would be hostility, resistance and violence” but what was happening was “another thing entirely to witness.”
She confirmed that a number of police officers had been injured in the clashes but did not specify the exact figure. “I was both angry and also deeply saddened to see parliament, your parliament, our parliament desecrated in that way,” the New Zealand leader said.
At one point, multiple blazes were visible in the grounds of the parliament, including one at a public playground, with smoke and explosions rising from the fire. Protesters were reportedly throwing material on the fire to keep it burning. Ardern later confirmed the blaze had been extinguished by authorities.