Violence At Montreal Festival

Police reported dozens of people began throwing bricks, rocks and traffic cones at buildings in the city’s entertainment district at about 11:30 p.m. June 17. The Montreal Gazette reported the riot broke out as Quebec metal band B.A.R.F. and rapper MHD were performing.

About 20 businesses, including Montreal police headquarters, and parked vehicles had their windows smashed and vandalized. Montreal Police Cmdr. Vincent Rocher confirmed to CBC News there were 12 unrelated incidents and that six police officers sustained injuries.

A 25-year-old man was charged with armed assault on a police officer and a 24-year-old man faces one count of obstructing police. Both were released on a promise to appear in court.

Jacques-André Dupont, VP and COO of Francofolies, told CBC News “What we saw were young people who wanted to party a bit too hard,” he explained. “We saw some climb onto the stage and I think after that people left in a bad mood and the rest followed.”

The annual event, which features more than 250 shows, including 180 free outdoor performances on seven stages, took place June 8-18.