On Monday, June 22, a tragic shooting event unfolded at a hotel in Montreal. A suspect with a long gun opened fire, resulting in a police officer’s death. Police then returned fire, killing the suspect. A civilian also died, though it remains unclear who fired the fatal shot.
Incident Details
Police Chief Fady Dagher reported that a second officer was seriously injured but is currently stable. The chief noted this is the first loss of a Montreal police officer in the line of duty in 24 years, calling the day a “nightmare.” Emergency services received a call around 11:35 a.m. about someone with a gun visible from a window at the Hilton hotel. When officers arrived, they were met with gunfire.
Video evidence indicates the shooter was outside the hotel. Authorities are still investigating the suspect’s motive. Chief Dagher mentioned uncertainty regarding who killed the civilian.
Victims and Eye Witness Accounts
The deceased officer was identified as Constable Mohamed Lamine Benredouan, 34, who joined the force in 2021. Videos on social media show the intense exchange of gunfire, depicting the assailant in an olive jacket and cargo pants, adjusting or reloading their weapon.
Witness Jacob Coutu, working in construction nearby, recalled hearing four to five gunshots followed by a heavy police presence and more gunfire. He estimated hearing 30 to 40 shots total, describing a scene of officers in a gunfight and getting shot down.
Public Safety Response
An emergency alert warned residents of an armed suspect, advising them to shelter in place. This alert led to temporary closures of the Décarie expressway and parts of two subway lines. Quebec Domestic Security Minister Ian Lafrenière confirmed ongoing investigations by an independent watchdog. Multiple agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, corroborated that the act was not a terrorist attack.
Consequences and Warnings
Lafrenière, a former Montreal police officer, asked the public to refrain from sharing videos of the incident to respect the victims. In British Columbia, police received warnings about potential threats against law enforcement across the province. Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton from Surrey Police Service noted this alert followed the tragic events in Montreal.