News

Valérie Plante responds to violent STM viral video

by Lorraine Carpenter

A Black trans woman was chased, restrained and beaten over an unpaid fare.

After a video of an assault by STM police went viral over the weekend, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante has released the following statement.

”Several people shared an intervention by STM agents that took place this weekend. These are disturbing images, and an investigation begins today to shed light on what happened.”

—Valérie Plante
Valérie Plante responds to violent STM viral video

The video, which can be seen below, depicts two STM inspectors restraining and punching a Black trans woman, as bystanders attempt to pull the inspectors away. The incident occurred on Saturday on one of the platforms at Jean-Talon metro station.

According to the following statement released via Twitter this morning by the STM, the individual had jumped the turnstiles without paying for their metro ticket, and refused to cooperate with the inspectors. The confrontation became violent and the individual allegedly bit one of both inspectors, causing wounds that needed emergency care.

As stated by Mayor Plante, an investigation into the incident started today, and more details will be be released.

Last month it was announced that STM police will soon be granted additional powers, including the right to make arrests.

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by Lorraine Carpenter

Editor in chief
Lorraine Carpenter was born in Montreal and studied communications and journalism at Concordia. She co-founded Cult MTL in 2012 following 12 years at the now-defunct Montreal alt weekly the Mirror, where she worked in editorial as copy editor and music editor. She’s dedicated to supporting the cultural scene in Montreal.