A midday shooting in Montreal on Monday left three people dead, including a police officer, a civilian and the alleged gunman, in an incident that has shocked the Canadian city and prompted a major police response. Authorities said the violence unfolded in a neighbourhood that includes a significant Jewish community, kosher markets and restaurants, though investigators have not yet confirmed any motive behind the attack.

Police said the incident began around 11:30 am local time in the Côte-des-Neiges area when officers received reports of an active shooter inside a building. Responding units engaged the suspect, leading to an exchange of gunfire. According to Montreal police chief Fady Dagher, the attacker was firing from inside the premises using a long gun when police arrived at the scene. The shooting resulted in the death of a male police officer, later identified as Mohamed Lamine Benredoune.

A female officer was also injured in the incident, though authorities confirmed her injuries were not life-threatening. The suspected gunman was ultimately shot dead during the confrontation with police. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire erupted in the busy neighbourhood. One witness told reporters that officers rushed into the area and ordered people inside nearby shops to take cover. Another resident said they saw multiple gunshots fired on the street and witnessed individuals seeking shelter in nearby businesses as the situation escalated rapidly.

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Montreal police confirmed that the suspect was dressed in what appeared to be military-style clothing during the attack. While some Canadian media outlets reported possible links to so-called “incel” ideology, which is associated with misogynistic extremist views, police officials have stated that the investigation into the shooter’s motive is still ongoing and no conclusions have been reached.

Authorities have described the incident as a rare and deeply disturbing event for the city. Police chief Dagher called it “a tragedy, a nightmare,” as investigators continue to gather evidence and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the deadly confrontation. The case remains under active investigation as officials work to determine the circumstances and potential motivations behind the attack.

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