Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath commenting this morning after Monday’s City council meeting was disrupted by protesters.

The council meeting was called short after protesters moved into council chambers and shouted at councillors, who were debating, in part, a $12-million increase to the police budget.

Horwath released a statement this morning saying that when a situation arises that does not appear to be calming down, council is advised to leave in order to avoid further escalation.

She said it was unfortunate that other Hamiltonians who were scheduled to speak to council were not given the chance to do so.

The statement said that “disrupting a peaceful discussion, shouting people down, and refusing to listen to one another cannot replace respectful dialogue.”