The Quebec City Fire Department was called to intervene outside Parliament at around 3:50 p.m. when a citizen heard a small explosion in the stairwell leading to the Youville parking lot.
The authorities immediately deployed their personnel and requested the presence of firefighters, the police and the dog unit.
MARCEL TREMBLAY/QMI AGENCY
“There was smoke and a small detonation was heard […] One person has been arrested on arson charges in connection with the incidents,” confirmed David Pelletier, spokesman for the Service de Police de la Ville de Quebec (SPVQ).
MARCEL TREMBLAY/QMI AGENCY
Although the faint sound of the explosion resembled that of a firecracker, the SPVQ left nothing to chance in establishing a security perimeter around the Tourny Fountain.
MARCEL TREMBLAY/QMI AGENCY
Avenue Honoré-Mercier was also closed for controls, but has now been reopened to traffic.
MARCEL TREMBLAY/QMI AGENCY
The suspect has been questioned and could face charges.