A timeline of the deadly Halloween-night stabbing in Quebec City
Posted November 1, 2020 9:08 am.
Last Updated November 1, 2020 11:30 am.
Oct. 31, 10:28 p.m.: Police are called to a scene around the Chateau Frontenac hotel after receiving reports of an alleged stabbing carried out by a man dressed in “medieval” garb brandishing a katana-like sword.
11:58 p.m.: Quebec City police issue a tweet asking the city’s residents to stay indoors as they search for the suspect in the Parliament Hill area of the city.
Nov. 1, after midnight: Police search for the suspect on foot. Carlos Godoy, who lives in the area where the attacks occurred, says police K-9 units searched his backyard as they hunted for the suspect.
Shortly before 1:00 a.m.: A suspect is apprehended by police near the Old Port. Seven victims are found, two of which died. The other five victims were injured but are expected to survive.
4:20 a.m.: Police inform the public via Twitter that the situation is under control. Initial information indicates the suspect’s motives are likely personal in nature.
SUIVI DES ÉVÈNEMENTS | La situation est sous contrôle | Le suspect est arrêté et présentement détenu | Selon nos premières informations, rien ne nous indique que le suspect aurait agi pour des motivations autres que personnelles.
— Service de police de la Ville de Québec (@SPVQ_police) November 1, 2020
7:36 a.m.: Quebec Premier Francois Legault issues a tweet saying the provincial capital is “waking up after a night of horror.” “I don’t have the words to describe such a tragedy,” he says. Legault offers condolences to the victims’ relatives.
Le Québec se réveille après une nuit d’horreur. Les mots me manquent pour décrire une telle tragédie. J’offre toutes mes condoléances aux proches des victimes. La vice-première ministre @GGuilbaultCAQ fera le point avec le maire Labeaume et le chef du @SPVQ_police à 9h30 ce matin
— François Legault (@francoislegault) November 1, 2020
8:43 a.m.: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offers condolences on Twitter. “My heart breaks for the loved ones of the two people killed in last night’s horrific attack in Quebec City.”
My heart breaks for the loved ones of the two people killed in last night’s horrific attack in Quebec City. I’m also wishing a full recovery to the injured. We’re keeping you in our thoughts and will be there for you. To all the first responders, thank you for your critical work.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 1, 2020
9:30 a.m.: Quebec City police hold a press conference and announce that a 24-year-old suspect living outside the Quebec City area is currently in custody. Chief Robert Pigeon says the investigation is ongoing, but describes the attack as personally motivated rather than an act of terrorism.