Montreal joins in protests to stop racism

MONTREAL (CityNews) – Thousands took to the streets of downtown Montreal to protest racism and police brutality Sunday. It was mostly peaceful – but after nightfall – vandalism and looting.

The windows of Steve’s Music Store were smashed and guitars were stolen.

“I’m almost certain that the people who did this were not part of the protest. They were taking advantage of the protest, there to cause trouble and it’s unfortunate because it takes away from the protest,” said Greg Leblanc manager of Steve’s Music Store.

The manager says security footage was sent to police and they’re calculating how much was stolen. The windows to a few other shops were smashed on Sainte-Catherine.

Marc Ebihsera, the owner of a Subway says it was a small group committing the acts.

“There was no need to break everything. It’s very bad timing, we’re just starting to go back up.”

Montreal police made 11 arrests but there were thousands of Montrealers who protested peacefully earlier in the evening, organizers estimating as many as 25,000.

RELATED: An anti-racism and anti-police brutality demonstration in Montreal 

A witness says it was after the protest when the large majority left that things got violent and there were clashes with police – who had earlier tweeted in support of the protest.

“I’m not calling the colours but other race they start smashing windows and stuff like that and it’s looking bad on us – other people come to our protest and it looks bad on us,” said James Jones.

They joined the world in taking to the streets demanding justice for George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer. A video showing the officer pushing his knee down on Floyd’s neck as the man begged that he couldn’t breathe.

Protesters shared their voices during the march.

“It just wakes you up that racism is still here and we gotta protest and talk about it and try to stop it.”

“The situation might be different but the issue is the same wherever you are.”

“We are all here supporting black people in the world. It’s an international battle we’re trying to work.”

“At the end of the day, something’s got to change. If it doesn’t this is going to go on forever,” added Jones.

Another protest is planned in Montreal next Sunday.