Three killed, including police officer, in Montreal shooting; motive under investigation

A shooting on Monday in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood resulted in three deaths: a police officer, a civilian resident and the alleged gunman, according to local police. The incident occurred in an area known for its Jewish institutions, but officials said they have not established whether the attack was motivated by anti-Jewish bias or other factors.

Montreal police confirmed the officer’s death in a statement posted on X and reported that a resident and the suspect were also killed, while another officer was seriously wounded. The police chief described the event as “more than terrible” and a “tragedy, a nightmare.”

Jewish community leaders said the shooting did not appear to target Jews specifically. Rabbi Motti Seligson, a Chabad spokesman, noted that, based on information from local representatives, there was no indication of a hate-motivated attack. Rabbi Gezy Markowitz added that it would be “irresponsible” to label the incident as an attack on the Jewish community without further evidence.

Provincial officials, including Quebec’s public security minister and Premier Christine Fréchette, said the motive remains unknown and urged the public to avoid speculation while authorities continue their investigation. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed that he was “horrified” by the violence.

The neighbourhood, historically a center of post-war Jewish settlement, has previously experienced gunfire incidents near schools, but no direct link to those events has been confirmed in this case.