11 charged with rioting in September violent clash in Falconridge

Calgary police have charged 11 men in connection with a violent clash between two large groups in Falconridge Plaza in September that caused property damage and left a dozen people injured.

The fight happened on Sept. 2 outside the Magnolia Banquet Hall between two groups of Eritrean community members. Police said at the time they believed up to 150 people were involved, and many were brandishing weapons.

Twelve people were taken to hospital and all have since been released.

Police at the time called it"the largest violent event to happen in our city in recent memory."

Following the creation of an investigative task force that reviewed many hours of security-camera footage and interviewed several witnesses, police announced Thursday that 11 men ranging in age from 24 to 49 have been charged with numerous offences, including rioting, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, assault with a weapon, and mischief.

Police said they are still trying to identify 33 more men they consider persons of interest.

"I want to remind Calgarians that the behaviour exhibited during this conflict is not, and never will be, acceptable in this city," said acting Deputy Chief Scott Boyd of the Calgary Police Service in a release.

Police are holding a media availability later Thursday aboutthe investigation.