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Montreal police have retracted their initial statement that protesters were responsible for setting vehicles ablaze during last Friday’s tumultuous pro-Palestinian, anti-NATO protest, which devolved into chaos with smashed windows and violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
The protest, which drew widespread condemnation and resulted in three arrests, sparked a heated debate, with politicians and community leaders weighing in on the escalating tensions. An investigation is now underway to determine the exact cause of the fires that ravaged two vehicles, and police are working to identify individuals who may have committed crimes during the protest.
Initially, a police spokesperson posited that protesters were culpable for setting the vehicles on fire, but by Monday, a different spokesperson, Véronique Dubuc, stated that the cause of the fires was still under investigation.
Regarding the investigation’s scope, Dubuc noted, “We are working to comprehend the events that transpired, and the exact circumstances surrounding the fire will be ascertained through a thorough examination of the available evidence.” When questioned about the potential involvement of protesters, Dubuc deflected, saying, “It’s premature to draw conclusions; we need to analyze all the footage, identify suspects, locate them, and, if necessary, obtain warrants to proceed with arrests.”
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for the violent acts accountable, stating that he expects “all those responsible to be pursued and punished to the fullest extent of the law.” In contrast, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre was quick to capitalize on the incident, contending that the violence was “yet another confirmation that everything is broken” under Trudeau’s leadership.
A separate pro-Palestinian protest earlier in the week was marred by controversy after a woman was filmed making Nazi remarks, while on Sunday, a Montreal rabbi reported that police asked him to relocate, citing concerns that his presence could be perceived as provocative.
Thus far, no antisemitic incidents have been reported in connection with Friday’s protest. However, tensions between pro-Palestinian protesters and members of the Jewish community remain high, and police are working to defuse the situation while conducting a thorough investigation.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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