Man accused of throwing object at Quebec premier pleads guilty to assault

A man who threw a projectile at Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard at a vigil for victims of the Orlando massacre has pleaded guilty to assault charges.

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Esteban Torres was charged after throwing the object at Couillard during a gathering in Montreal’s gay village in June 2016 to pay homage to the 49 victims gunned down at a gay night club in Florida.

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READ MORE: Man charged with assault in case involving Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard

Torres, 20 at the time of the assault, spoke to the crowd and later tossed an object at the premier, who was not injured but was quickly taken from the area by his security team.

The object in question wasn’t recovered, but Torres said at the time it was a ball of paper.

READ MORE: Wife of Orlando massacre gunman pleads not guilty

The young transgender rights activist had another charge of disturbing the peace conditionally stayed.

Torres returns to court on Oct. 20.