The Man Who Tried to Kill Quebec’s Separatist Premier Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

After opening fire on a Montreal nightclub on election night in 2012—a move his own letters called an attempt to assassinate Quebec's new separatists leader—Richard Henry Bain has been found guilty of one count of second-degree murder, and three counts of attempted murder.

Quebec Premier-designate Pauline Marois was giving her election night victory speech at Montreal's Metropolis nightclub when Bain walked in the club's back entrance in a bathrobe and ski mask, carrying a semi-automatic rifle and a 9mm pistol. News footage at the time showed Marois was quickly whisked off the stage by security.

Bain shot and killed Denis Blanchette and wounded fellow stagehand David Courage before his gun jammed. Then he tried to set the backstage area on fire, using gasoline and a flare. A video submitted as evidence shows Bain yelling, "The English are waking up!" as two police officers carried him off to a cruiser.

During the trial, Bain's defence argued he was not criminally responsible for the nightclub shooting because of an undiagnosed mental illness. Prosecutors argued he knew what he was doing, and his motivations were political, but did not accuse Bain of terrorism—a fact many observers have questioned.

Herman Déparice-Okomba, the director of the Centre for Prevention of Radicalization Leading to Violence in Montreal, told the Montreal Gazette a political agenda and violence fits the Canadian definition of terrorism, but mental illness and drug use can also be a factor.

Psychiatrists that assessed Bain said he likely suffered from untreated bipolar disorder. In letters to the psychiatrist, Bain wrote he wished he killed more separatists.

"If my rifle had not jammed I would have killed other people," he wrote in letters presented as evidence. "If inside, if Madame Marois could be seen, I would have killed her." Before the trial, Bain posted a recording on Facebook claiming he acted for separatist Montreal (he wanted the city to separate from the province), that he aimed to stop Marois' speech, but did not have control over his actions.

"What is most important for me is that I have complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ my lord and saviour. So please do not be concerned about the government's case against me. One day Jesus Christ will set me free by his jury," he said.

After nearly two weeks of deliberation, a jury rejected the defence's argument, but settled short of a first-degree murder conviction. Second-degree murder carries a 10-year minimum and 25-year maximum sentence.

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