Politicians across Canada react to deadly Halloween sword attack in Quebec City
Posted November 1, 2020 12:19 pm.
Last Updated November 1, 2020 9:55 am.
MONTREAL (CITYNEWS) – Condolences poured in this morning from across Quebec and Canada after a deadly Halloween night sword attack in downtown Quebec City claimed the lives of two people and injured five others.
In a tweet, Quebec Premier Francois Legault said the province was waking up to an indescribable “tragedy” following a “night of horrors.”
Legault also added the flag atop the Quebec City Parliament building would be moved to half mast, in mourning, until Nov. 3.
Le Québec se réveille après une nuit d’horreur. Les mots me manquent pour décrire une telle tragédie. J’offre toutes mes condoléances aux proches des victimes. La vice-première ministre @GGuilbaultCAQ fera le point avec le maire Labeaume et le chef du @SPVQ_police à 9h30 ce matin
— François Legault (@francoislegault) November 1, 2020
Primer Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that his “heart breaks for the loved ones of the two people killed” and wished a “full recovery to the injured,” while also thanking first responders for their work.
My heart breaks for the loved ones of the two people killed in last night’s horrific attack in Quebec City. I’m also wishing a full recovery to the injured. We’re keeping you in our thoughts and will be there for you. To all the first responders, thank you for your critical work.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 1, 2020
In a press conference Sunday morning, Quebec City Mayor Regis Labeaume acknowledged that “this horror on our soil adds to the collective mental distress that has already been heavy during this pandemic.”
Quebec City Police Chief Robert Pigeon provided more details into the deadly attack.
Pigeon says a man dressed in a medieval costume began swinging a Japanese-style sword at randomly chosen victims before 10:30 last night with the intention of harming as many people as possible.
The attack went on for nearly two-and-a-half hours as police pursued the man on foot.
The suspect was arrested early Sunday morning and is expected to appear in court later in the day.
READ MORE: A timeline of the deadly Halloween-night stabbing in Quebec City
Pigeon says the suspect is a 24-year-old man from the north shore of Montreal with no known links to terrorist groups.
“According to our preliminary information nothing indicates that the suspect would have acted for motivations other than personal,” said Pigeon.
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante said she spoke for all Montrealers when she offered her thoughts and condolences to the affected families and all residents of Quebec City.
Les Montréalais et Montréalaises sont de tout cœur avec vous! #courage @villequebec ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Mq7zoIw7Vl
— Valérie Plante (@Val_Plante) November 1, 2020
Pigeon did not release the names of any of those killed or wounded and says some of those injured suffered lacerations he described as serious. But no one is in life-threatening condition.
“Regarding the injured, the victims are residents of Quebec City,” he said. “For the moment we cannot formally identify the victims because it is the responsibility of the coroner’s office.”
Other politicians tweeted their condolences, such as Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Terrible news from Quebec City last night. My heartfelt condolences to those who lost a loved one in this heinous attack and I hope those injured recover swiftly. Canada stands united with you.
— Chrystia Freeland (@cafreeland) November 1, 2020