In a tragic event in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges area, a civilian, a police officer, and a suspected gunman have lost their lives due to a shooting, as confirmed by local authorities. Another officer sustained injuries during the incident, which led to the issuance of an "armed threat alert," advising residents to stay indoors.
Local reports have identified the deceased civilian as Michael Moshe Mizrahi. Moishy Blech, a resident and volunteer with ZAKA, expressed the community's shock, stating, "Michael was a well-loved figure who prayed with us at the synagogue. We all mourn with his family." The alert, issued around 12:30 PM local time, warned of an "armed and dangerous suspect" in the vicinity and instructed individuals to shelter in place.
The Montreal police specified that the area affected was bordered by Côte-des-Neiges Road, MacDonald Street, Highway 40, and Queen Mary Road. Access to the southbound Décarie Expressway from Highway 40 was restricted as officers responded to the situation. According to police spokesperson Constable Jean-Pierre Brabant, at least one officer was shot shortly after 11:30 AM near the intersection of Trans-Island Avenue and Courtrai Avenue. Brabant later confirmed the fatalities of one officer, one civilian, and the suspected shooter.
Details surrounding the shooting remain limited. Social media videos depicted a significant police presence near the Supermarché PA on Westbury Avenue, which also houses residential condominiums, some of which reportedly had bullet holes in their windows. Jean-Pierre Maca, who operates a paint store on Décarie Boulevard, recounted hearing multiple gunshots from the direction of the nearby Hilton Hotel. "It sounded like someone was shooting in all directions, and I believe a police officer was hit," Maca stated. He noted that officers quickly arrived and instructed nearby individuals to take cover.
Another witness recounted hearing numerous shots exchanged during the incident. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada extended her condolences following the officer's death, stating, "My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the police officer who lost their life in Côte-des-Neiges." She also urged those impacted by the event to adhere to police instructions as the investigation unfolds.