Officer Killed in Montreal Shooting, First in 24 Years

Montreal shooting in Côte-des-Neiges leaves 3 people dead

A shooting in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood killed three people on Monday, June 22. The dead include a police officer, a civilian and the suspected gunman. A second officer suffered critical injuries but is now in stable condition. Montreal police confirmed the toll Monday afternoon as a major operation continued in the area.

Someone called 911 around 11:35 a.m. to report a person sticking a gun out of a window near the Hilton hotel at Trans Island and De Courtrai avenues. Officers responded quickly. The gunman immediately opened fire on them upon their arrival. Authorities then issued an emergency alert warning of an armed and dangerous suspect in the area. They lifted that alert once officers confirmed the suspect was dead at the scene.

Officer killed was 34-year-old Constable Mohamed Lamine Benredouane

Montreal police identified the slain officer as 34-year-old Constable Mohamed Lamine Benredouane. He had served with the force since 2021. Police described his death as a profound loss in their statement. They noted his sense of duty, commitment and professionalism would remain in their memory. SPVM Police Chief Fady Dagher confirmed that 24 years have passed since a Montreal police officer last died in the line of duty. That fact underscores how rare an event this was for the city.

The civilian who died was Michael Mizrahi, a member of the local Chabad community. Conflicting reports initially circulated about his condition. ZAKA, a Jewish emergency response organization, said surgeons were treating him in emergency surgery rather than confirming he had died. Hospital staff later confirmed his death. Quebec’s Domestic Security Minister Ian Lafrenière addressed reports suggesting police gunfire may have killed the civilian during the exchange. He said officials could not yet confirm that information. He added that Quebec’s police watchdog, the BEI, is investigating the incident.

What witnesses saw and heard

Video circulating online captured roughly 58 seconds of the confrontation. CBC News verified the footage, which captures at least 29 gunshots. The video shows two police officers near the scene before gunfire strikes one and he falls to the ground. The second officer retreats from his position as the gunfire continues.

A nearby resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he heard loud noises followed by screams and went to his balcony to investigate. He described seeing a police officer on the ground and another officer moving toward him. Authorities closed sections of the Décarie expressway and surrounding highway network due to the ongoing operation. Police also urged the public not to share graphic footage of the incident.

Suspect’s motive remains under investigation

Police have not officially determined a motive for the attack. However, CBC News reported that the suspected shooter had reportedly distributed a violent manifesto containing misogynistic content before the attack. Dagher said officers do not believe a second shooter was involved. At least one witness, however, reported seeing two individuals in camouflage near the scene.

Côte-des-Neiges is a multicultural neighborhood with a significant Jewish community. It includes kosher restaurants, a Chabad center and Jewish schools and community centers. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether they will classify the attack as a hate crime or an act of terrorism.

Officials respond to the tragedy

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement that the deaths of the officer and civilian horrified him. He extended his thoughts to the victims, their loved ones, first responders and the Côte-des-Neiges community. He also thanked police officers for what he called their heroic dedication to protecting communities.

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette and Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada offered condolences at a joint news conference. They announced that Quebec would lower its flag in mourning. Fréchette noted that residents could access psychological support services through the province’s 811 hotline. Mayor Martinez Ferrada specifically praised the courage of responding officers, crediting their actions with helping protect the public during a dangerous situation.