Protesters smash windows downtown, throw incendiary object at officer

Damages were still visible at Concordia University’s Hall building in downtown Montreal the day after what police are calling an “impromptu” protest Sunday night.

It began around 9:15 p.m. when some 50 people gathered near de Maisonneuve Boulevard and Guy Street.

Police were called shortly after for the report of protesters spray-painting and smashing windows at the university.

The group of protesters is said to have headed toward de la Montagne Street, where windows were also damaged – at Holt Renfrew and Hotel Vogue.

Police say a protester threw an incendiary object toward an officer during a subsequent foot chase. No one was injured.

The SPVM arrested four people in their 20s who were later released without charges. Authorities say an investigation is ongoing and that charges could be laid later.

The protest was deemed under control by 11 p.m.

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Quebec’s public security minister addressed the incident in a post on X.

“In Quebec, we are fortunate to be able to express our opinions freely,” François Bonnardel wrote. “As a society, we cannot tolerate acts of violence or incitement to hatred. I call on the entire political class to denounce them. It is unacceptable to attack our police officers in this way.

“With the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7 approaching, the police can count on my support to ensure everyone’s safety. In fact, I will soon be speaking with our State Security teams at @secpubliqueqc to take stock of the situation.”