More than two hundred demonstrators gathered outside the Palais des congrès in Montreal on the late afternoon of September 16, 2026. The crowd assembled as the city hosted an artificial intelligence summit, and the protest coincided with the event's schedule. Participants positioned themselves along the streets surrounding the convention centre, creating a visible presence in the downtown area.
The Palais des congrès, a major venue for conferences and public gatherings, served as the focal point for the demonstration. Organisers of the AI summit had convened experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss developments in artificial intelligence. While the summit proceeded inside, the external assembly of protesters highlighted public concern surrounding the technology and its applications.
Among the sites linked to the protest was the Institut Mila, a Montreal-based research institute known for its work in machine learning and AI. During the demonstration, the institute's property suffered damage described as vandalism. The incident was reported to local authorities, and officials noted the breach of the institute's premises.
The vandalism at Institut Mila marked a tangible escalation from peaceful assembly to property damage. Witnesses observed individuals approaching the institute's exterior and leaving marks on doors and windows. No further details about the extent of the damage were released at the time of reporting.
Law enforcement officers were present in the vicinity of the Palais des congrès throughout the afternoon. Their role involved monitoring the protest and responding to the reported vandalism. The situation remained under control, and the AI summit continued its scheduled programming inside the venue.
The demonstration underscored ongoing public debate over artificial intelligence as the technology advances. While the summit highlighted scientific progress, the protest and the incident at Institut Mila reflected contrasting perspectives within the community.