Three overnight shootings took place in downtown Montreal early Tuesday, and two of the incidents sent three men to hospital.
At around midnight between Monday and Tuesday, police discovered a 38 year-old-male, shot in the upper body, in Place Émilie-Gamelin in downtown Montreal. The victim was taken to hospital in critical condition but is expected to survive his injuries.
According to witnesses, at least one suspect was seen firing a gun in the direction of the victim before fleeing the scene. No arrests have been made in the case.
Thirty minutes later, at around 12:30 a.m., police received reports of gunfire on 31st Avenue near Beaubien Street East in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie. Police found several bullet holes in a parked vehicle and shell casings on the ground. There were no reported injuries.
A third shooting took place a short time later at around 2 a.m., on Saint-Denis Street and de Maisonneuve Boulevard, also in downtown Montreal. Responding to a 911 call, officers found a 32-year-old man who had been shot in the upper body, and a 26-year-old man, who had been shot in the lower body. Both were taken to hospital in stable condition.
Two men, a 47-year-old and a 34-year-old, each known to police, were arrested at the scene.
All three incidents remain under investigation.
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Montreal mayor makes passionate plea to federal government for help
When asked about the shootings, Montreal mayor Valérie Plante said she understands people’s concerns over gun violence, following recent shootings in the city.
“I definitely understand the concerns for parents, for families, for all Montrealers because this is not the Montreal we know,” Plante told reporters.
Plante added that while Montreal police (SPVM) “is doing its work” of controlling criminal groups, the federal government needs to provide more and urgent support in securing borders when it comes to firearms coming into Canada.
Plante added she hopes officials don’t wait until the next federal election to tackle the issue.
Later in the day, CAQ leader François Legault joined Plante’s call to action to the federal government.
“It’s also important to have more police officers on the ground,” Legault said, adding that his government had recently pledged $250 million to add more officers to the Montreal police department.
Legault made the comments while on the campaign trail, he was at Montreal city hall where he stopped to meet Plante to outline his priorities for Montreal.
He said public security in the metropolis was the first topic he discussed with the mayor.
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