The Quebec City Fire Department was called to intervene around 3:50 p.m. in front of Parliament when a citizen heard a small explosion in the stairwell leading to the Youville parking lot.
The authorities immediately deployed their personnel requesting the presence of firefighters, police and the canine squad.
“There was smoke and a small detonation was heard […] One person was arrested in connection with the events for arson,” confirmed David Pelletier, spokesperson for the Service de police de la Ville de Québec (SPVQ).
Even if the small sound of explosion was similar to that of a firecracker, the SPVQ left nothing to chance erecting a security perimeter in the area of the Tourny fountain.
Avenue Honoré-Mercier was also closed in order to carry out checks, but it is now open to traffic.
The suspect has been questioned and may face charges.