VIDEO: Demonstrators topple Gassy Jack statue in Vancouver’s Gastown

The Vancouver Police Department says it is investigating mischief to a controversial Vancouver landmark.

The Gassy Jack statue in Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood was pulled down by demonstrators this afternoon.

And Gassy Jack is down! ✊🏼 pic.twitter.com/xYoy5moiyD

— MassyBooks (@MassyBooks) February 14, 2022

According to the VPD, several hundred people gathered around the statue, located at Carall Street and Water Street, as the annual Women’s Memorial March moved into the area around 1:15 pm.

Demonstrators then tied ropes around the statue, pulled it to the ground and covered it in paint, the VPD said.

The statue was replaced on its pedestal by a red dress, which is a symbol for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S).

Gassy Jack has been replaced by a Red Dress @MMIWG #ValentinesMarch #IndigenousJustice pic.twitter.com/lP9pcasGqI

— katatcoolworld (@katatcoolworld) February 14, 2022

Gassy Jack, AKA John Deighton, was a bar owner in Vancouver and the city's Gastown neighbourhood takes its name from him, although it's located on unceded land.

In June 2020, the Squamish Nation unveiled more about his history, which included marrying a 12-year-old Squamish girl around 1870.

The statement came just days after the Gassy Jack statue was vandalized with paint for the first time as a petition circulated at the time to have the landmark removed due to his controversial history.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Angela Marie MacDougall (@semiferal_)

“His likeness being displayed prominently in Gastown is a terrible symbol of Vancouver upholding and honouring violence towards and oppression of Indigenous people,” the statement read.

Also in June 2020, the City of Vancouver said it was in the process of reaching out to Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations, as well as matriarchs and urban Indigenous leaders to coordinate on the future of Gassy Jack.

we will identify next steps in consultation with these groups, as well as Gastown BIA and the wider community. This work is an important first step, of many, towards decolonizing the space and demonstrating our commitment towards reconciliation and decolonization. 2/2

— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) June 18, 2020

"Based on these conversations, we will identify next steps in consultation with these groups, as well as Gastown BIA and the wider community," the City said at the time.

"This work is an important first step, of many, towards decolonizing the space and demonstrating our commitment towards reconciliation and decolonization."

The VPD said no one was injured during the demonstration today and no arrests have been made.