In a tragic episode on Tuesday in Montreal’s Côte‑des‑Neiges neighbourhood, an armed individual opened fire, claiming the lives of a police officer, a civilian and himself, the last of the three not held by the crown.


The shooter, unnamed, was shot instantly through the back by responding officers, who emphasised that he was acting alone and that a re‑engagement with his weapon was unlikely.


Witnesses reported that a gun protruded from a window and that shots rang out before police arrived. One resident, Danny Wilk, described seeing the suspect wearing militia‑style clothing and advancing armed towards the street’s centre.


Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, 34, the officer killed, had joined the police force in 2021 and was honoured with flags flown at half‑staff for his service and professionalism.


The civilian victim, Michael Moshe Mizrahi, a revered member of Montreal’s Jewish community, was identified by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs as an innocent casualty. Specialists have not yet confirmed an anti‑semitic motive, though the circumstances have prompted scrutiny.


After the incident, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a bulletin to other Canadian forces, warning of a document circulated online that seemed to encourage the shooting of police officers. The content of that document has not been confirmed by The BBC or other independent sources.


French‑language broadcaster Radio Canada reported that the gunman had drawn inspiration from the misogynistic “incel” online movement, an ideology previously linked to Canada’s 2018 Toronto vehicle‑ramming attack. RCMP requests for comment were met with silence, and the Bureau of Independent Investigations declined to provide details.


Quebec’s domestic security minister, Ian Lafrenière, and Premier Christine Fréchette expressed outrage, stating that “such acts have no place here.” Federal Prime Minister Mark Carney called the incident “horrified” and highlighted the need for national solidarity in the face of violence.


The concerted emergency alert issued by Quebec—a declaration of a suspect on the loose—was broadcast at 12:30 local time and lifted around 15:00 after thorough police verification. Public transport services were suspended until the crisis subsided.


The case remains under tight investigation, with authorities seeking to ascertain motive and any affiliations. The city mourns the loss of an officer and a civilian, while the broader Canadian public reflects on gun safety and community cohesion.