Three dead, including suspect, in Montreal grocery store shooting in Jewish neighbourhood

The incident

Around 11:30 local time on 22 June, Montreal police received reports of an armed individual in the Côte-des-Neiges area near the intersection of Decarie Boulevard and Courtrai Avenue. Witnesses reported hearing 20 to 30 gunshots. An armed man, described by some as wearing camouflage clothing, opened fire, striking officers who responded to the scene. The suspect then barricaded himself inside a grocery store.

Casualties

The attack resulted in three fatalities. Police confirmed that one of their officers died from his injuries, and the suspect was also killed. A second officer and a civilian were wounded, with the officer's condition described as serious. Authorities did not immediately identify the victims or the perpetrator.

Lockdown and shelter-in-place

Following the shooting, police issued an emergency alert urging residents to remain indoors, lock doors and windows, and stay away from glass surfaces. A large area bounded by Côte-des-Neiges Road, MacDonald Street, Highway 40 and Queen Mary Road was sealed off. Public transport was disrupted, with nearby metro stations including Namur temporarily closed and a section of the Decarie Expressway shut down.

Neighbourhood and possible motive

Côte-des-Neiges is one of Montreal's main Jewish neighborhoods, home to kosher restaurants, a Chabad centre and Jewish community centres. Several Israeli media outlets have speculated about an antisemitic motive, though police have not released any details on the suspect's background or motive. Investigators are still working to reconstruct the events.

Witness reactions

Residents described panic and confusion. One witness told CTV News,

It's a usually quiet and family-friendly neighbourhood, surrounded by schools. We're all in shock.

Others recounted seeing people flee parks with their children as tactical units swarmed the area.