Protest against anti-black racism, police impunity in Montreal turns violent
Posted May 31, 2020 3:54 pm.
Last Updated May 31, 2020 7:21 pm.
MONTREAL — A Montreal anti-racism protest demanding justice for a black Minnesota man who died in police custody last week turned violent Sunday.
About three hours into march that started out peacefully, Montreal police declared the gathering illegal after they say projectiles were thrown at officers who responded with pepper spray and tear gas.
Tensions flared after demonstrators made their way back to the starting point, in the shadow of Montreal police headquarters downtown.
Windows were smashed, fires were set and the situation degenerated into a game of cat-and-mouse between pockets of protesters and police trying to disperse them.
Demonstrators had gathered to denounce racist violence and police impunity –both in the U.S. and at home– before marching.
George Floyd died in Minneapolis on Monday after pleading for air while a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck.
