More than two hundred demonstrators assembled in front of the Palais des congrès in Montreal on the late afternoon of September 16, 2026. The gathering coincided with an artificial intelligence summit taking place at the venue. During the demonstration, the protesters caused damage to the Institut Mila, which was located on the premises of the conference complex.

The protest took place as the AI summit was underway, drawing attention to the presence of the Institut Mila within the event’s setting. Participants in the demonstration moved from the front of the Palais des congrès to the institute’s facilities, where they engaged in acts of vandalism. The exact nature of the damage has not been detailed, but the incident was reported as a breach of the institute’s property.

Authorities were present at the Palais des congrès as the summit continued, and the large crowd of protesters was noted to have exceeded two hundred individuals. The timing of the protest, occurring in the late afternoon, placed it in direct proximity to the scheduled sessions of the artificial intelligence conference.

Organizers of the AI summit have not issued a statement regarding the disruption, and no further information on arrests or injuries has been released. The incident marks a notable disruption to an event that draws professionals and researchers focused on developments in artificial intelligence. The vandalism of Institut Mila underscores the heightened tensions surrounding AI research and its public perception during the conference.

The demonstration concluded without additional reported incidents, and the Palais des congrès remained the focal point for the summit’s activities following the protest. The event’s organizers are expected to assess the impact of the disruption on the summit’s schedule and on the operations of Institut Mila.

The incident adds to the ongoing discourse surrounding artificial intelligence initiatives in Montreal, reflecting the presence of active opposition during high‑profile gatherings.

The city’s law enforcement and event officials are anticipated to review security measures for future conferences in light of the protest.