The number of events involving firearms is not higher than usual, according to statistics released Wednesday by the Montreal Police Service (SPVM). The police force wants to be reassuring and claims to be preparing despite everything for a new hot summer in the metropolis.
According to the police force, 25 firearm discharge events have taken place on its territory since the beginning of the year, compared to 17 for the same period last year.
“The statistics compared to last year are similar, but each event is one event too many,” insisted the head of the Communications and Media Relations Division, David Shane, from SPVM headquarters.
As for attempted murder by firearm, the SPVM has identified 12 since the start compared to 15 in 2022 over the same period. A firearm homicide was also recorded when there were already three on the same date in 2022.
Thanks to these figures, the SPVM wanted to “put things into perspective” in relation to the “perception of intensification of events” involving firearms, explained David Shane.
Last Friday, The Press reported that the metropolis had recorded a firearm discharge event every day for a week.
With the approach of the summer period and the “return of lively nightlife”, the SPVM claims to want to “increase the pressure in order to protect Montrealers”, says David Shane.
More details to come.