Gunfire erupted near the Rivière-des-Prairies detention centre, targeting alleged members of the Rizzuto organized crime family. Montreal police confirmed the incident occurred around 2 p.m., leading to the recovery of an AR-15 rifle and shell casings from a wooded area near the jail. Leonardo Rizzuto, the alleged head of the Montreal mafia, was linked to the recovered items.
Authorities, including the Sureté du Québec, are actively investigating the shooting to determine potential connections to individuals inside the detention centre. Despite ongoing inquiries, no arrests have been made as of now. The alleged targets of the attack were swiftly relocated to Montreal’s Bordeaux prison the next day.
According to Quebec’s Ministry of Public Security, the shooting caused no injuries to staff or inmates at the Rivière-des-Prairies facility. Measures have been implemented to safeguard the well-being of individuals affected by the incident.
A burned vehicle discovered approximately two kilometers from the prison is being examined by investigators to ascertain any possible links to the shooting. Jean-Pierre Brabant, a SPVM spokesperson, emphasized that all possible motives, including the involvement of the Rizzuto family, are being considered during the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, Leonardo Rizzuto continued his legal proceedings in court following the shooting, with experts noting that the incident is unlikely to impact the case directly. However, it could potentially raise concerns regarding jury selection and impartiality.
