Over 200 protesters gathered in the late afternoon of September 16, 2026, outside the Palais des congrès in Montreal, Quebec. The demonstrators assembled in front of the convention centre while an artificial intelligence summit was under way in the city. Their presence grew into a sizable crowd that moved toward the nearby Institute Mila, a research organization associated with the event.
The protesters then vandalized the Institute Mila building. The act of vandalism occurred as the AI summit continued, linking the demonstration directly to the gathering of experts and industry leaders at the conference. Law enforcement and event staff responded to the disturbance, but the specific details of any arrests or injuries were not disclosed in the available information.
The demonstration took place amid a broader conversation about artificial intelligence, with the summit drawing attention to Montreal's role as a hub for AI research and development. The protest highlights a segment of public opposition that surfaced during the conference, resulting in the direct targeting of the Mila institute. The incident underscores the tensions that can arise when large‑scale technology events intersect with community concerns, as illustrated by the actions of the more than 200 individuals who gathered and damaged property at the institute.