4 episodes of armed violence in Montreal
Since the beginning of 2023, Montreal has already identified four events involving firearms on its territory including Saint Michel, a borough neighboring Park Extension. Many citizens are worried.
In the past year, neighborhoods east of Montreal have been the scene of regular shootings. The trend could reverse in 2023.
“In 2022, it was mainly centered in Rivière-des-Prairies, Montreal-North and Saint-Michel. Now we seem to be seeing a westward shift. However, what is worrying is that it does not stop.” said Chief Dagher. The Plante administration believes that the arrival of the new police chief at the head of the SPVM will bear fruit.
“A certain lull had been observed since this summer, but every event is one too many. The fight against armed violence will still be a top priority in 2023. With one of the best police forces in the country, the arrival of Mr. Dagher, additional resources and investments in prevention, we are confident that we have the best means to deal with this problem,” says Alain Vaillancourt, head of public security on the executive committee of the City of Montreal.
Quebec also wanted to highlight the government’s efforts in the fight against armed violence in the metropolis. “Our government has put in place several measures to reduce armed violence on Quebec territory and mainly in the greater Montreal area, including a $250 million agreement with the city of Montreal over 5 years to tackle this scourge. This will add 225 police officers and several social workers. There is also Operation CENTAURE, which is showing very convincing results and operations are continuing at a steady pace,” reads a statement from the cabinet of the Ministry of Public Security.
List of recent events
On January 2, a woman was injured in Ville-Mont-Royal, near the Metropolitan highway.
On January 3, shots were fired at a Mile-End dwelling, without causing any casualties.
On January 7, shortly before midnight, a 19-year-old was shot in the borough of Saint-Laurent, when he was targeted by two suspects.
Finally, in the night from Saturday 5th to Sunday the 6th, shots were heard at the back of a business in the same borough.
