MONTREAL — A Montreal police officer and a civilian were killed Monday in a daylight shootout in the city’s Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, in what police chief Fady Dagher called one of the worst tragedies of his tenure.
The shooting broke out around 11:35 a.m. local time when officers responded to a call and exchanged gunfire with a suspect on the street. The officer and the civilian died in the exchange, and a second officer was injured. Police said the suspect was “neutralized” during the confrontation, and the immediate threat to the community was later contained.
Authorities identified the slain officer as 34-year-old Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, who had served with the Montreal police force since 2021.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the tragic death of Officer Benredouane while carrying out his duties in protecting the public,” police said in a statement.
Local media identified the civilian victim as Michael Moshe Mizrahi, a member of Montreal’s Jewish community.
Dagher noted that it had been 24 years since a Montreal police officer was killed in the line of duty. Without naming him directly during his initial remarks, the chief paid tribute to the fallen officer, describing him as a dedicated and passionate member of the force.
Investigation into motive underway
Dagher told reporters that investigators had not yet determined the suspect’s motive or confirmed whether he acted alone. “No, it’s not finished. We’re undergoing it,” he said when asked whether the police operation had fully concluded.
Officers continued to secure the scene, search for additional victims, and examine evidence well into the evening.
Local media reports suggested the suspect may have been driven by anti-feminist or “incel” ideology, and investigators are said to be reviewing a manifesto reportedly linked to him. However, officials have not released the document publicly.
Earlier in the day, Quebec authorities issued an armed-threat alert warning residents that police were searching for an armed and dangerous individual in the area.
People living nearby were urged to shelter indoors, lock their doors, stay away from windows, and follow instructions from emergency responders. The lockdown was lifted later in the day once police confirmed the threat had been contained.
Officials and leaders react
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was horrified by the news, writing on social media that his thoughts were with the victims, their families, first responders, and the entire Côte-des-Neiges community.
He also praised the bravery of police officers, who he said work to protect Canadians despite the dangers of the job.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada also offered condolences, saying her office was following the situation closely and that her thoughts were with everyone affected by the tragedy.
Television coverage from local broadcasters described a tense scene throughout the afternoon, with a heavy police presence and a major operation that stretched into the evening hours before the lockdown was lifted.
The deaths mark a rare and shocking instance of an officer killed on duty in Montreal, and the case has drawn national attention as investigators work to piece together what led to the confrontation.
Police have not released further details on the suspect’s identity, background, or possible ties to extremist online communities as the investigation continues.
Authorities said updates would follow as more information becomes available, including whether charges may eventually be considered against anyone connected to the case.
