Gunman opens fire at Quebec political rally

One dead and another wounded after a gunman started shooting during a political event in Quebec...

15:54 05 September 2012

Quebec's new premier, Pauline Marois of the separatist Parti Quebecois (PQ), was forced off the stage by bodyguards and aides after a gunman opened fire at a rally leaving one dead and another seriously wounded.

 

Police confirmed on Tuesday that the gunman, a 59-year-old man, had been arrested. As yet unnamed, the man also set fire to the building prior to his capture. 

 

It is unclear if he intended to assassinate Marois whose party favours separation for the French-speaking province from Canada. 

 

According to sources as reported in the Telegraph, the suspect shouted in French that "the English are waking up!" while he was being dragged to a police car. 

 

The shooting started in Montreal's Metropolis stadium just after Marois addressed the crowd in English - which is seen as rare at a partisan PQ event. 

 

Her campaign has largely focussed on language-and-identity issues, promising English speaking Quebec residents that their equal rights would be protected. 

 

Marois, however, heads the separatist Parti Quebecois, which seeks independence for the French-speaking province of Quebec and wishes for dominance of French speakers over the minority of English speakers. 

 

Following the incident, the politician returned to the stage to urge the crowd to leave peacefully. 

 

Canada, a nation of French and English speakers, is seldom known for its troubles with guns. 

 

On Tuesday, Parti Quebecois won a minority government in a provincial election which saw their return to power after nine years in the opposition.