As NATO delegates convened in Montreal for a summit focusing on Ukraine, “climate change”, and the alliance’s future, pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets in solidarity with Gaza.
Beginning with peaceful demonstrations at locations like Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and Quartier des Spectacles, the protest escalated as groups converged at Place Émilie-Gamelin and Place des Arts.
Protesters burned an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, chanted slogans condemning Israel and NATO, and set off smoke bombs. Tensions peaked when metal barriers were thrown to block riot police, and windows of the Palais des Congrès, the NATO summit venue, were smashed.
BREAKING: Complete chaos is unfolding in the streets of Montreal, as Hamas supporters have flooded the streets.
The police are trying to intervene but were immediately attacked and retreated. Canada has become a country with no laws.
pic.twitter.com/2RbRQCFvgB— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) November 23, 2024
Montreal police (SPVM) responded with pepper spray, tear gas, and batons to disperse the crowd after protesters lit vehicles on fire and caused property damage.
Three people were arrested for assaulting officers and obstructing police work. The demonstrations coincided with a student boycott involving universities like UQAM, Concordia, and McGill, where anti-NATO and pro-Palestinian messages were prominently displayed.
Complete CHAOS in MONTREAL 🇨🇦 right now. Pro Palestine protestors smashing buildings, smoke grenades everywhere, car on fire 😵 pic.twitter.com/nLFKVC0eCi
— Melissa 🇨🇦 (@MelissaLMRogers) November 23, 2024
Meanwhile Canadian Prime Minister attended a Taylor Swift concert in Toronto later in the evening, and was seen dancing in a VIP area near the stage.
“Trudeau is dancing at the Taylor Swift concert while Montreal burns. Words cannot describe how much I despise this man,” wrote one popular X account.
Trudeau is dancing at the Taylor Swift concert while Montreal burns
Words cannot describe how much I despise this manpic.twitter.com/hCq4t0HBYS
— The Pleb 🌍 Reporter (@truckdriverpleb) November 23, 2024
