On September 15, 2026, a group of roughly ten unidentified individuals damaged the research building of the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, known as Mila, in Montreal’s Rosemont–La Petite‑Patrie borough. Police identified a 25‑year‑old woman among those involved and took her into custody later that day.
The incident occurred on Saint‑Urbain Street near Saint‑Zotique Street West, a location that houses Mila’s main facilities. According to the Montreal Police Service (SPVM), the vandals entered the premises and inflicted damage on the structure, prompting an immediate police response and a subsequent investigation.
SPVM officers arrived on scene shortly after the disturbance was reported. They secured the area, gathered evidence, and began questioning witnesses. The investigation led to the identification and arrest of the 25‑year‑old woman, who is now being held pending further legal action. Police have not released additional details about the motives behind the vandalism or whether other participants have been located.
Mila, a leading institute in artificial‑intelligence research, has been a focal point of Montreal’s technology sector for several years. The organization collaborates with academic partners and industry stakeholders to advance AI development. The recent damage to its building marks a rare act of vandalism against a research institution in the city.
The SPVM continues to pursue leads in order to apprehend any remaining individuals involved in the incident. Officials from Mila declined to comment on operational impacts, stating that the institute will assess any necessary repairs and resume its research activities as soon as possible.