VICTORIA — Officials are investigating an apparent security breach at the British Columbia legislature after a pro-Palestinian banner was found attached to the front of the Parliament Buildings overnight between Aug. 13 and Aug. 14, the Office of the Clerk said.
The banner, which read “Free Palestine Economic Sanctions,” was displayed high above the legislature entrance and was removed Thursday morning, witnesses and news outlets reported.
An emailed statement from the Office of the Clerk said, “An external security breach took place overnight (Aug. 13-14, 2025) at the Parliament Buildings. The matter is being taken very seriously, and a full investigation is underway.” The office said there was no indication of an internal breach or unauthorized entry to the building.
Victoria Police said investigators were also involved. Staff Sgt. Shawn Robson described the placement as deliberate. “The banner had been secured with ropes from an elevated location, indicating deliberate placement by an unknown individual or group,” he said, adding that updates would be provided as the probe continues.
The legislature’s grounds have been the site of recent demonstrations related to the war in Gaza, and the appearance of the high-visibility banner drew immediate attention from passing motorists and residents before it was taken down. Authorities have not released details about suspects or motives.
The incident is being treated as a security matter and has prompted an internal review of perimeter protections at the Parliament Buildings, officials said. The clerk’s office and Victoria police did not provide a timeline for the investigation or say whether charges would be laid.
Journalists and lawmakers have called for the results of the investigation to be made public once available. Members of the public with information relevant to the placement of the banner were urged to contact Victoria Police.
This article is based on verified information from Global News, CHEK (Canadian Press), Black Press Media, and the Office of the Clerk of the British Columbia legislature.