Popular crowdfunding platform GoFundMe has said that it will withhold the funds that have been raised for the truckers who are protesting against vaccine mandates. The platform said that there were police reports of violence. The Freedom Convoy began last weekend and it is reported that there would be greater participation this weekend, in both Toronto and Ottawa.

In a statement, GoFundMe said that it would withhold the donations that have already been made. It will also refund donors who have been asked to fill in a request form. Donations to the page ‘Freedom Convoy 2022’ on the site were at $10 million Canadian, of which about $1 million had been released to the organizers.

A Friday statement by the website said that the demonstrations had begun peacefully but later became “an occupation.” It stated that there were reports of violence from the police as well as “other unlawful activity.” This violated the terms of service of the website which prohibits the promotion of violence and harassment.

Citizens of Canada including small businesses have been impacted as the truckers occupy the ways making it difficult for businesses especially food delivery ones to continue to deliver food on time. The nation is also divided and polls say that a majority of the population are against the strike. Ottowans shared their concerns with the BBC as reported by the outlet.

Stuart, a chef told the outlet that he had no doubt that the vast majority of the truckers were peaceful. He added, “But, as was seen last year with protests in the US, a small minority of people with bad intentions can very easily and quickly escalate the situation.”

Others also voiced concerns about loud disturbances through horns, fear, lack of safety and more as men walked in groups wearing hats that said “Make Canada Great Again.”

Another platform called GiveSendGo will collect funds for the Freedom Convoy. This was announced by the organizer on a video on Rumble Inc., which is a platform that reportedly promotes “free speech.” It is similar to YouTube but is a favorite site for U.S. conservatives, according to a report by Reuters.

After GoFundMe canceled the crowdfunding for the Freedom Convoy, Tesla CEO Musk accused the online site of “double standards” in a tweet as they allowed pages for “Black Lives Matter.” One follower asked him why he did not fund the truckers himself, but there was no reply to that question, till the time this article was published.