A shooting incident in Montreal on Monday afternoon, June 22, turned into a major security operation after a gunman opened fire near De Courtrai and Trans Island avenues in the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood.
Police responded shortly after 11:30 a.m., according to CBC News, triggering an exchange of fire that led to multiple casualties and a temporary lockdown of the surrounding area. Residents were advised to take shelter as the situation unfolded.
The operation ended after the suspect was killed during the police response.
First Officer Death in Over Two Decades
Montreal police confirmed that one of their officers was killed during the exchange, marking the first time in 20 years that a serving officer has lost their life in the line of duty in the city.
Authorities have described the incident as a likely targeted attack on law enforcement, although investigations are still ongoing.
Quebec Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière called it the first fatal shooting of an officer in Montreal in 24 years, highlighting the rarity and seriousness of the event.
Victims Identified by Authorities
Following the incident, Montreal police released the identities of the victims.
The fallen officer has been identified as Mohaed Lamine Benredouane, aged 34. He joined the Montreal Police Department in 2021 and had been serving for several years before the fatal encounter.
A second officer was also injured during the shooting and was taken to hospital, where officials say his condition is stable.
A civilian, identified as Michael Mizrahi, also died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during the incident.
Investigation Underway
The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), Quebec’s independent police oversight body, has launched an investigation into the shooting to determine the exact sequence of events and assess the use of force during the operation.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect who was killed during the confrontation.
Officials say the investigation will examine whether the attack was premeditated and whether any additional individuals were involved.
City on Alert Following Rare Attack
The shooting has raised concerns in Montreal, as such fatal attacks on police officers are extremely rare in the city. Security measures were heightened in the area during the immediate aftermath of the incident, with authorities working to ensure there was no further threat to the public.
Residents have since been allowed to return home, but police continue to maintain a presence in the neighbourhood as investigations continue.
