One of the stagehands who survived the shooting outside the nightclub where the Parti Québécois was celebrating its election victory in 2012 took the stand on Tuesday at the first-degree murder trial of Richard Henry Bain.
David Courage said he was standing outside at the back of the venue when he suddenly felt pain in his side.
The single bullet that killed lighting technician Denis Blanchette exited his body and hit Courage in the hip, seriously damaging his pelvis, backbone and other internal organs.
David Courage is showing his scar on his right hip in 2013, a year ago after being shot at the Metropolis.
Courage became emotional when he was asked if he saw the shooter.
“No, but I see him now,” he replied as he pointed at Bain.
Bain, 65, is on trial on one charge of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder and two fire-related charges.
Courage often looked at Bain during his testimony, once telling the accused, “Thank you, keep smiling.”
On Sept. 4, 2012, as premier-designate Pauline Marois took the stage to deliver her victory speech, Bain allegedly approached several stagehands standing outside the club and shot a semi-automatic rifle, killing Blanchette and injuring Courage.
Bain then allegedly poured gasoline onto the back door of the club and lit a road flare, sparking a fire.
The accused was allegedly able to get off only one shot as his rifle jammed before he was quickly arrested by Montreal police.
Crown prosecutor Dennis Galiatsatos has said he is planning to call up to 50 witnesses to prove Bain was the shooter that night.
The second week of the trial continues Wednesday.
