As thousands of people gathered in Montreal Thursday evening for a vigil in honour of the victims of the Orlando shooting, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard was rushed from the scene after an altercation in which he was struck by an object thrown by a protester, police say.

Yelling could be heard in the crowd of thousands while officers quickly swooped in and removed Couillard from the gathering.

Transgender activist Esteban Torres was quickly detained by police after an altercation with Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard. (The Canadian Press) Federal Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly, who was standing nearby, was also whisked away.

One protester, transgender activist Esteban Torres, was heard shouting in Spanish for a revolution to begin. He had spoken earlier at the podium as one of the event's speakers.

Provincial police said Torres threw an object at Couillard.

À noter...la ministre Christine Saint-Pierre est presque la plus rapide à intervenir pour protéger son chef ! <a href="https://t.co/4dRx96UGKc">pic.twitter.com/4dRx96UGKc</a> —@philbonneville

Officers quickly nabbed him. He was arrested by police and could face charges.

"The nature of these charges is not yet known," said Sûreté du Québec Sgt. Claude Denis, adding that police will also try to determine the motive for the attack.

Couillard was not injured.

Tense moments

The vigil began around 7 p.m. When spokespeople announced that politicians were in attendance, some people in the crowd booed loudly.

"Tonight is not about politics," said a spokesperson over the loudspeaker to calm the crowd.

Once the vigil got underway, people waved rainbow flags through the air as they assembled at Parc de l'Espoir, which translates as Park of Hope, on Panet Street in the city's gay village.

"Tonight our community is hurt. But tomorrow we will be stronger," could be heard over the loudspeakers.

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Ste-Catherine Street in the village, which is blocked off to car traffic for the summer, had already been decorated with defiant messages of support written in sidewalk chalk.

Before the altercation, the premier took to the podium to address the gathered crowd.

"We love each other the way we are.… Let's be proud of that and preserve that identity," said Couillard, as those in the crowds cheered loudly.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre said the vigil reminded him how proud he is to be a Montrealer.

"This is one of the greatest metropolises of the world, because you can be equal and different at the same time. Because you can live the kind of life you want, no matter what. If you're LGBT, that doesn't matter. You're a citizen. You're a first-class citizen," Coderre said to the crowd.

Other events

Dozens gather for a 'love-in' outside the National Assembly in Quebec City to honour the Orlando shooting victims. (CBC) In Quebec City, dozens gathered outside the National Assembly in Quebec City Thursday afternoon. The "love-in" was organized by Alliance Arc-en-ciel.

"We will make ourselves visible to attest that fear has not invaded us, that the community will come out stronger and that it will always fight against homophobia," the group said in the Facebook event description.

For West Islanders who want to come together and mourn the victims, the LGBTQ Youth Centre in Beaconsfield, in partnership with the Beaconsfield United Church, is holding a candlelight vigil at the church Friday night.

"We can light candles, support each other and give tribute to the lives that have been lost in our greater LGBTQ community," the event description reads.

The event will begin at 8 p.m. at 202 Woodside Road in Beaconsfield.

Learn more about the Orlando shooting victims, here: