Montreal, Canada – Canadian authorities have announced the deaths of a police officer and a local resident, as well as a suspected gunman, following a heavy exchange of gunfire on Monday in Montreal, Canada. The incident sparked widespread panic and fear among residents of the usually quiet area.
Details of the accident and victims
Montreal police, via their official X account, stated: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the death of one of our police officers while performing his civic duty. Further details regarding the incident will be released later.” Separately, Canadian security authorities confirmed the death of a civilian. They also confirmed the death of the suspected perpetrator of this deadly attack.
Police response and neutralization of the suspect
Police had earlier warned of an “armed and extremely dangerous suspect” and urged all residents to avoid the Côte-de-Neiges neighborhood.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported that authorities asked residents to stay indoors and lock their doors.
Montreal Police Chief Fadi Dagher told reporters that officers were immediately fired upon upon arrival at the scene of the horrific incident.
Investigations are ongoing and the motives are unknown.
Police added in their statement that the suspect was successfully “neutralized.” They also indicated that he likely acted alone.
Security investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances, despite the lifting of the state of emergency in the area, according to CBC. Canadian police have not yet confirmed the motive behind the incident.
Fears of a possible attack
Commenting on the progress of the investigation, Dagher said, “We will not rush to any final conclusions,” adding that it was still too early to determine the exact circumstances and motives behind the incident.
For its part, the Jewish emergency response organization ZAKA stated that the shooting occurred near a Chabad center. The organization also described the incident as a possible attack targeting the community.
It is worth noting that the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, founded in the late 18th century in Eastern Europe, is one of the most prominent Hasidic Orthodox Jewish movements. Its primary aim is to promote Jewish religious practice and education.
The movement currently operates thousands of educational and religious institutions worldwide. According to its official data, recently published for public review, it has active centers and headquarters in more than one hundred different countries.
