Remarks praising Hamas attack at Vancouver rally under investigation [Video]

Authorities have arrested a 44-year-old woman who praised last October’s attack on Israel during a rally in downtown Vancouver.

Social media video shows the woman leading a crowd outside the Vancouver Art Gallery in a chant of “Long live Oct. 7,” referencing the massacre by Hamas – declared a terrorist group by Canada and many other nations – that killed around 1,200 people, most of them Israeli civilians, and prompted Israel’s ongoing invasion of Gaza. 

“We stand with the Palestinian resistance and their heroic, brave action,” the speaker said.

The Vancouver Police Department confirmed Wednesday that investigators are working to determine whether any of the remarks made at the rally could constitute a hate crime.

“We defend everyone’s right to gather and express their opinions, even when those opinions are unpopular or controversial,” Sgt. Steve Addison said in a statement. “We also have a responsibility to ensure public comments don’t …