On January 1-2, protests around the Christ the Redeemer Monument in Santa Cruz, Bolivia resulted in clashes between protesters and police. No casualties have been reported, but protesters did set fire to several cars and tires. This is the latest of a string of protests following the arrest of department governor Luis Fernando Camacho last week.
Due to a series of stabbings from December 24-27, Danish Police have increased patrols and implemented Search Zones throughout Copenhagen, Denmark. In the following zones, police officers can stop and search anyone without probable cause: Åboulevard, Ågade, Bispebjergvej, Bispeengbuen, Borups Allé, Fredensgade, Haraldsgade, Hareskovvej, Lersø Parkallé, Orgelbyggervej, Rådvadsvej, Peblinge Dossering, Sortedam Dossering, Tagensvej, Tuborgvej, and Utterslevvej. These heightened security measures will likely last well into January, causing travel delays and other disruptions.
Demonstrators will march from the Kurdish cultural centre to 147 Rue La Fayette on December 26 in Paris, France. This is in response to the killing of three Kurdish people by a gunman who opened fire at the Kurdish cultural centre on December 23. Protests are expected to continue for several days and have the potential to turn violent.
On December 18, a shooting occurred at a condo in Vaughan, Canada a couple of blocks away from Canada’s Wonderland amusement park. According to initial police reports, a 73-year-old gunman opened fire in the condo, killing 5 people and wounding a 6th, before being killed by police.
A state of emergency was declared in Peru on December 14 following deadly protests and blockades across the country. Following the removal of former President Castillo, widespread protests led President Dina Boluarte to declare a state of emergency. Blockades and rail damage significantly impact movement and food distribution, as many travelers remain stranded in Cusco and other regions. Airports across the country remain shut down, including Ayacucho Airport (AYP), Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), Juliaca Inca Manco Cápac Airport (JUL), Alfredo Rodriguez Ballón International Airport (AQP), and Andahuaylas Airport (ANS). Authorities are liable to use force to disrupt protests, and reports allege that live ammunition was used to suppress protests across the nation.
While investigating reports of a missing person in Wieambilla, Australia on December 12, police were fired upon by an unidentified gunman. The ensuing firefight led to the deaths of two police officers and 4 civilian. While the gunman is believed to have been captured, an emergency declaration is still in effect at this time.
A hostage situation occurred at a mall in Dresden, Germany on December 10. Police responded to reports of a shooting at the Altmarkt-Galerie mall, evacuating the local area. The two suspects were later freed unharmed, although the suspect was reportedly killed. No clear motive for the attacks has been established. Police have lifted restrictions in the city center, but the mall will remain closed.
Numerous protests groups began marching on December 8 throughout Mexico City, Mexico to denounce water shortages, government corruption, and police brutality. The protests began in numerous locations around the city, such as the Judiciary of Mexico City, the Senate of the Republic, and the National Palace. The demonstrations continued and expanded into December 9, drawing more protesters around government buildings. These protests are expected to continue into the coming days.
A police operation is currently underway in Margate, Australia as of December 4 at 8:30 PM. An emergency and exclusion zone between Bank Street, Disraeli Street, Wighton Street, and Oxley Avenue has been declared. Authorities are responding to a public safety threat, and travelers should avoid the area.
The national rail operator SNCF in France will be striking nationwide from December 2-4. The strike has been organized to demand improved salaries and working conditions. 60% of train services across the country experienced cancellations on December 2. Similar widespread disruptions are anticipated until December 5. Other public transport services may experience overcrowding due to increased demand. Strike-related protests are possible.
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