Justin Trudeau, known for the smooth way he connects with crowds by shaking hands, holding babies and taking selfies, had a bizarre run-in with the public in the Hamilton area Friday.

A meeting with Hamilton’s mayor included a side trip into council chambers and a surprise shower of pumpkin seeds from a scolding protester.

The incident happened soon after Trudeau stepped through a side door into city hall council chambers to chat with councillors, several of whom whipped out camera phones for the now ubiquitous Trudeau selfie photos.

Past Green Party of Canada candidate Ute Schmid-Jones hurled “symbolic” heart-inscribed pumpkin seeds at him, shouting, “Keep your promises!”

She was immediately tackled to the ground by security before being whisked away by the RCMP for questioning. She was not charged, but is now banned from Hamilton City Hall.

Earlier, she had been holding a banner reading “No New Pipelines” with a man who identified himself as David Johnson. He says they want to know why Trudeau has “not yet reformed the National Energy Board or shut down their proceedings.”

Schmid-Jones says although she is banned from city hall property, she doesn’t regret her actions. “I think it was necessary,” she said. “I’ve tried so many other means to try and speak about these issues with our political leaders … I thought maybe a symbol would get the point across.”

Trudeau also had an interaction with a man in Dundas, Ont., after touring a food shop, which drew the attention of RCMP security. The incident was quickly settled.

With files from the Hamilton Spectator and The Canadian Press

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