Police in Quebec City early on November 1 arrested a man on suspicion of killing two people and injuring five others in a stabbing rampage on Halloween near the Provincial legislature.
They say the man in his mid-20s was taken to a hospital. Quebec Police said in a tweet their initial information indicates the motive was personal.
Police had earlier warned residents to remain indoors as they hunted for a man dressed in medieval clothing and armed with a bladed weapon who had left “multiple victims”.
Spokesman Etienne Doyon said police were first notified of the stabbings near the National Assembly shortly before 10.30 p.m. on October 31 (9 a.m. IST on November 1).
The five injured victims were taken to a hospital, and a spokeswoman said their lives do not appear to be in danger. Police have asked any potential witnesses to contact them.
"Quebec is waking up after a night of horror. Words fail me to describe such a tragedy. I offer my condolences to the families of the victims,” Quebec Premier Francois Legault tweeted.
Mr. Doyon declined to offer any information about the two people who were killed, saying, “Our thoughts are with the family of the people who died today.”
Carlos Godoy, who lives in the area, said police K-9 units had searched his backyard as they hunted for the suspect.
"It’s a full moon, it’s October 31st. It’s Halloween, and it’s a lockdown weekend. No one should be out on the streets,” Mr. Godoy said. “And I’m in an extremely quiet neighbourhood because there are no tourists nowadays.”
