People gather in protest against COVID-19 mandates and in support of a protest against COVID-19 restrictions taking place in Ottawa, in Edmonton, Alberta, Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP)

The mayor of Ottawa declared a state of emergency Sunday after thousands of protesters opposed COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates paralyzed the downtown area of Canada's capital city.

Earlier in the day, Mayor Jim Watson pleaded for help, saying authorities were "outnumbered" and are "losing this battle" against the demonstrators.

Watson said the declaration highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government, according to The Washington Post. It gives the city some additional powers around procurement and how it delivers services, which could help purchase equipment required by frontline workers and first responders.

The truckers joined about a hundred other demonstrators in the "Freedom Truck Convoy" who have remained in the city since last weekend.

The truckers' protests began when a new mandate was issued by the Canadian government on Jan. 15 that they must be vaccinated against COVID-19 before crossing into the U.S. As CBN's Faithwire reported, the U.S. enforced the same requirement on truckers entering that country on Jan. 22.

After nonstop blaring of horns and traffic disruptions, Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly called it a "siege" that he could not manage.

Ottawa Police Threaten Convoy Supporters

The Ottawa Police Department also tweeted a warning Sunday that supporters who bring aid like gasoline to the truckers could be arrested.

"IMPORTANT: Anyone attempting to bring material supports (gas, etc.) to the demonstrators could be subject to arrest. Enforcement is underway," the department said.

Since the truckers arrived in Ottawa on Jan. 29 to protest the vaccine mandate, other citizens have donated fuel to the convoy.

On Monday, Alexandra Lavoie, a journalist with Rebel News, tweeted a video showing police officers dressed in tactical riot gear, complete with automatic weapons, seizing gas and other fuel, but protesters remained peaceful, singing "O Canada!", the nation's national anthem.

Several media outlets also reported demonstrations were held to protest the nation's COVID-19 restrictions over the weekend in other cities, including Toronto, Quebec City, and Vancouver.

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