A police officer, a civilian and a gunman were killed in a shooting in Montreal on Monday, while a second officer was seriously injured in an attack that has left investigators searching for a motive.
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The shooting took place shortly after 11:30 EDT (15:30 GMT) in Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal's most populous neighbourhood. Police said the male suspect, who is believed to have acted alone, was shot dead by officers at the scene.
The injured officer was reported to be in stable condition.
Attack Unfolds in Côte-des-Neiges
According to investigators, the incident began after a witness spotted a firearm protruding from a window and heard gunfire before contacting emergency services.
Local resident Danny Wilk told AFP that he heard shots while near his home and sought shelter in a nearby pizzeria.
"I tried to take shelter in the nearby pizzeria, and that's when I saw the shooter, who looked ready to fire his weapon, dressed in military clothing," he said.
Wilk said he saw a police officer lying on the ground after being shot before the attacker was killed by responding officers.
The violence caused major disruption in the area. Traffic on a nearby motorway was halted and metro services were suspended.
Victims Identified
Montreal police later identified the slain officer as Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, 34, who joined the force in 2021.
The department said its flags would be flown at half-staff in his honour and described him as a dedicated and professional officer.
The civilian victim was identified by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs as Michael Moshe Mizrahi, whom it described as a valued member of Montreal's Jewish community. Authorities have not indicated that the shooting was motivated by antisemitism.
Investigation Continues
Quebec's domestic security minister, Ian Lafrenière, said investigators had not yet determined the attacker's motive.
French-language broadcaster Radio-Canada reported that the gunman may have been influenced by the online "incel" movement, a misogynistic ideology linked to previous acts of violence. Police have not publicly confirmed that claim.
The Globe and Mail reported that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police circulated a bulletin to law enforcement agencies warning about a document that allegedly encouraged people to target police officers. The existence of any link between that document and the shooting has not been independently confirmed.
The RCMP did not immediately comment, while Montreal police referred questions to the Bureau of Independent Investigations, which declined to discuss the ongoing inquiry.
Leaders Express Condolences
The tragedy marked the first time in nearly 25 years that a Montreal police officer has been killed in the line of duty.
An emotional Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher described the incident as "a nightmare" during a press conference.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was horrified by the attack and offered condolences to the victims, their families, first responders and the wider Côte-des-Neiges community.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada and Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette also paid tribute to the fallen officer and condemned the violence.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 June 2026