Montreal police announced on September 16 that ten individuals were taken into custody following vandalism at a local artificial intelligence research institute. The incident, which involved broken windows and graffiti, occurred as an international AI summit began in the city.
According to the police report, the damage was discovered at the institute shortly after the summit opened. Authorities described the vandalism as extensive, noting that several windows were smashed and walls were defaced with graffiti. The timing coincided with the arrival of delegates for the AI summit, which drew attention from the global technology community.
Law enforcement officials responded to the scene, secured the premises, and launched an investigation that led to the identification and arrest of ten suspects. The police did not release further details about the suspects' identities or motives. All individuals were detained pending further legal action.
The AI institute, a center for research and development in artificial intelligence, is part of Montreal’s growing tech sector. The institute’s activities were temporarily disrupted by the vandalism, and the police noted that the damage will require repairs before the institute can resume normal operations.
The international AI summit, which kicked off the same day, continues its program despite the incident. Organizers have not issued a statement regarding the vandalism, and the summit’s schedule remains unchanged. The event is expected to host experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world, focusing on emerging AI technologies and ethical considerations.
Montreal police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that they will provide updates as more information becomes available. The arrests represent a swift response to the criminal act, aiming to preserve the safety and integrity of both the research institution and the broader summit activities.