Police had initially blamed demonstrators for setting cars on fire, but now say they cannot confirm that and are investigating.
The fires erupted at a pro-Palestinian, anti-NATO protest that turned violent, with windows smashed and clashes erupting between protesters and police.
Initially, a police spokesperson said demonstrators were responsible for setting two vehicles ablaze during the protest. By Monday, however, a different spokesperson said the cause of the fires is under investigation.
“The investigation (is) to understand and determine what’s the exact cause of the fire,” said Montreal police spokesperson Véronique Dubuc.
“There were two cars that were ignited. What happened exactly? It will be determined with the investigation,” she said. “We cannot confirm or not. We don’t know exactly if it was caused by the protesters or not.”
Now the Montreal police investigation into what unfolded is underway. Dubuc said police will also work to identify individuals who may have committed criminal acts during the protest.
“We have to look at all the footage. We have the surveillance camera; we have to identify the suspect. We have to locate them, and then we have to proceed to go to the arrest, and sometimes we need warrants,” she said. “This is all normal.”
Dubuc said that, as of Monday, no antisemitic incidents were reported during Friday’s protest.
This story will be updated.