At a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Valérie Plante and Deputy Premier Geneviève Guilbault announced a partnership between the provincial and municipal police forces to combat gun violence in Montreal and prevent firearms trafficking.

The response comes after three people were killed in a shooting at a Rivière-des-Prairies apartment building on Monday night. Two other victims were injured in the shooting.

While the investigation is ongoing, political leaders in Quebec, including Premier François Legault, quickly released statements condemning gun violence in the city. On Twitter, Legault promised to "protect Montrealers and Quebecers."

"It is unacceptable that there are groups who settle their issues on our streets," Plante said Wednesday.

"We stand together against gun violence."

"Montreal and our nation of Quebec are safe places," Guilbault declared, listing multiple investments the provincial government has made into fighting gang and gun violence.

She said the Sûreté du Québec would "reinforce" SPVM efforts. Concretely, the deputy premier announced the formation a new "integrated team" of regional and provincial officers to address gun violence and trafficking.

The governments of Quebec and Montreal will also create a committee that will devise a "global strategy" to address crime.

This article's cover image is used for illustrative purposes only.