A family in Montréal‑Nord says police officers sprayed pepper spray into a birthday celebration on Monday, June 22, 2026, alleging that the force was used inappropriately and amounted to an abuse of police power. The incident was reported to have taken place in the neighbourhood of Montréal‑Nord, a district of Montreal, Quebec, and the family’s complaint was filed shortly after the event.
According to the family’s statement, officers from the Montreal Police Service entered the party venue and deployed pepper spray against attendees. The family contends that the action was unwarranted and that the use of the chemical agent was not justified by any immediate threat. They assert that the deployment of pepper spray constituted a misuse of authority and violated the safety of the party guests.
The allegation arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of the Montreal Police Service’s use of pepper spray at public and community gatherings. Recent discussions in the city have focused on whether the deployment of the irritant is being applied proportionately, especially in settings that are not overtly violent or dangerous. Community groups and civil‑rights observers have repeatedly called for clearer guidelines and greater accountability regarding the circumstances under which pepper spray may be used.
The family’s claim adds another case to the growing list of incidents that have raised concerns about excessive force in Montreal. While the police service has not released a detailed response to this specific allegation, the matter underscores the broader debate over policing tactics in the province and the need for transparent investigations into claims of misconduct.