The mayor of Saint-Paul-de-Montminy, in Chaudière-Appalaches, was attacked Saturday by a citizen who smashed the windshield of his vehicle with a brick while he was inside.
The violent act was filmed by the victim, Alain Talbot, while the individual approached his car, but also while he received shards of glass in the passenger compartment.
His son chose to release the video since the incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. The exact circumstances remain unclear.
The main person concerned, who is doing well, could not be reached. For his part, the suspect, aged 40, has been known to the municipal administration since 2017.
In shock
“As it is under investigation, the mayor cannot speak,” explains Isabelle Normand, communications advisor.
The MRC of Montmagny strongly condemned the armed attack against Mayor Talbot. According to the information gathered, the mayor was driving on Principale Street when he stopped his car upon seeing the angry citizen.
“Physically, he’s fine, but he’s psychologically shaken. This time, it’s a brick, but what would have happened with a firearm projectile? He’s a very well-known person in municipal circles. They’ve had problems with him for years,” added the MRC prefect, Frédéric Jean.
“This act of violence, committed by a citizen of the municipality, is unacceptable and reminds us of the urgency of acting to protect our elected officials,” also states a press release sent Monday.
Mr Jean said it was imperative to act to ensure Mr Talbot’s safety.
“As soon as I was informed of the situation by Bernard Généreux, MP in the House of Commons, I immediately called Mr. Talbot to see how he was doing.”
In this type of situation, elected officials would like to be able to intervene more quickly to avoid an escalation. Threats and harassment must never turn into a serious crime, says Mr. Jean.
“We’ve been talking about Bill 57 for a long time. I think the government will have a good situation to test the law,” he said.
“Unacceptable”
According to the MRC, the Sûreté du Québec and the judicial system must work in concert with the said law and the elected officials who are harassed to guarantee immediate and effective support when a threat is perceived.
To support Mr. Talbot, the MRC of Montmagny called on the Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM), which offers legal and psychological assistance programs.
The suspect has not yet been arrested by the Sûreté du Québec, information that has not been confirmed or denied by the police force.
For its part, the office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Andrée Laforest, says it is following this matter closely.
“The armed attack committed against the mayor of Saint-Paul-de-Montminy, Mr. Alain Talbot, by a citizen of the municipality is worrying and totally unacceptable,” it said in a statement.
– With the QMI Agency
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