Anti-capitalist demonstration, Montreal police intervene after violence

Montreal police (SPVM) intervened on Wednesday night to break up an Anti-capitalist demonstration that turned violent – amid annual May Day protests.

Some business windows were smashed and property damaged by masked demonstrators in the downtown core.

The front of a Scotiabank branch was vandalized with their windows shattered.

Protesters were seen throwing traffic cones and metal construction signs into the street.

Jean-Pierre Brabant, spokesperson for the SPVM, said that officers were confronted by the demonstrators – and that smoke bombs were deployed at police.

Around 8 p.m., authorities said they had to intervene.

Police launched a “dispersal operation” near de Maisonneuve and Robert-Bourassa Blvd.

The demonstration ended a little after 8:30 p.m.

Brabant said one arrest was made.