KEEPIN IT MONTREAL

More than 200 took part in anti-police demonstrations in Montreal on Wednesday (8th) night, after two people were gunned down and killed by police. On Tuesday morning police had opened fire on Mario Hamel, a homeless man supposedly holding a knife, and also managed to hit Patrick Limoges, a hospital worker on his way to work.  The demonstrators marched through the streets and started smashing windows as they made their way to the spot where the deaths occurred.

The protesters then utilised materials from a construction site that was en route as missile-fodder; hurling chunks of concrete and bricks at shop and restaurant windows. As the march continued, pink paint was splattered on the road, nearby buildings and one bystander. No march would be complete without a few slogans and banners thrown in for good measure. One sign stated “Never again”. A megaphone wielder warned “We don’t forgive, we don’t forget” in English and French.

He went on to say, “I’m here to protest in favour of an independent inquiry committee, because cops investigating cops over these shootings - it just doesn’t work man”. Overall the protest was relatively quiet with no injuries and no arrests. A silent vigil was also held at noon on the same day outside St-Luc hospital were Limoges worked. Hospital employees then walked out of the hospital and held up traffic as they held walked to the still blood-stained scene and held an impromptu vigil of their own.