Police calling for calm on weekend during events commemorating boy shot by officer

Longueuil police (SPAL) are calling for calm during the weekend's gatherings to honour 15-year-old Nooran Rezayi, who was shot and killed by police.

Police on Montreal’s South Shore are calling for calm on the weekend during a demonstration and civic event to honour a teen who was shot and killed by police in the St. Hubert neighbourhood of Longueuil.

Longueuil police (SPAL) spokesperson Gino Iannone held a news conference on Friday “to remind everyone of the importance of these gatherings taking place in a respectful and peaceful manner,” according to a news release.

“We understand and share profound sadness felt by his family, friends and all those who knew him, whether closely or from afar,” said Iannone.

At the same time, Iannone said police have received information that a “small number of individuals may attempt to provoke confrontation with police officers” during the weekend’s events.

“We would like to remind everyone that such behaviour will not be tolerated,” he said.

Nooran Rezayi, 15, was shot and killed by a police officer on Sunday during an intervention in the Saint-Hubert area.

Quebec’s police watchdog (BEI) is investigating the shooting.

Longueuil police said a 15-year-old was arrested later in the week for threatening police officers, and two other youths were arrested for posting a photo of the young victim on the grounds of a police station on the South Shore.

“We would like to reiterate that the SPAL is collaborating with the investigation by the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), which is responsible for shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” said Iannone.

The SPAL did not answer any questions during the news conference on Friday, saying it did not want to interfere with the investigation.

‘Don’t cross that line’

Quebec Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière represents the Vachon riding, which is where the shooting took place.

He said he supports the protests but is concerned about tensions between residents and police.

“If the people want to show that they support the family, that is okay,” said Lafrenière. “The reason why I’m concerned now is just the fact that this is my riding, I know exactly where that is, and there are tensions there.”

He said it’s fine for people to protest and even show up outside of the police station, but that “there’s a line.”

“That’s the reason that I’m concerned and saying to people, ‘Please. Protest if you want to do so. This is more than 100 per cent okay, but you don’t cross that line,” said Lafrenière. “You don’t physically intervene against a police officer. You don’t attack. You don’t cause damage. You don’t do anything criminal.”