The Montreal community reeled in shock and mourning this past week as SPVM police officer, 34-year-old Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, and beloved member of the Jewish community Michel Mizrahi, 68, were killed by gunfire June 22 during a police operation in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough.
The incident prompted authorities during the crisis to issue emergency alerts warning residents about an armed and dangerous suspect during that late morning and throughout the afternoon. A second police officer was at first in critical condition. but was later in stable condition.
Residents were ordered to shelter in place.
Jennifer Cox
The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) confirmed the incident began at about 11:35 a.m.
Police chief Fady Dagher told a press conference at 3 p.m. June 22 that the threat was over and the wide perimeter around the crime scene would soon be lifted. An alert sent to cellphones just after the press conference confirmed that the shelter-in-place order was no longer required.
During the press conference, Dagher did not reveal the identity of the suspect, but that was later revealed to be Seth Scott Hatfield, 25 of Lethbridge, Alberta, nor the motive. In an emotional statement, the police chief said the slain officer “fell as part of his mission to protect and serve,” and that he had met the officer on several occasions. Later reports said the shooter was an incel, part of a group of young men with resentment against women. He had also written a 104-page manifesto dealing with many grievances. Other incels have committed similar shootings.
“This was an officer of remarkable efficiency,” Dagher said of the slain officer. “My thoughts go to his family and extended family.”
Dagher said a 911 call had been made around 11:35 a.m. by a civilian who heard gunshots from the Hilton Hotel. Police arrived and exchanged fire with the shooter, who was ultimately killed. A weapon was seized.
“What happened was more than terrible — it was a nightmare,” the police chief said. “It’s a very sad day.”
Jeremy Zafran
The operation had been centred near the intersection of Courtrai Avenue and Trans Island Avenue, adjacent to the Décarie Expressway in the Côte-des-Neiges district. A large police perimeter was established around the area, which includes commercial properties and hotels near the highway.
The Sûreté du Québec had also deployed officers to assist with the operation.
A witness identified only as Jean-Pierre, manager of a paint store located near the police perimeter, said he heard gunfire shortly before officers flooded the area.
He said he had barricaded himself inside the business and observed heavily armed police officers and snipers in the vicinity as the operation unfolded.
The large-scale operation caused significant traffic disruptions on surrounding streets and along the Décarie Expressway as officers secured the area and continued their search.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada posted, “my deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of the police officer who died in the line of duty in Côte-des-Neiges. My thoughts are also with all those affected by this tragedy.”
Elisabeth Prass posted, “as the MNA of the D’Arcy McGee riding, where the events took place, my heart is broken for the victims, a devoted SPVM police officer and innocent civilian, and their families. Thank you to all those who put their lives on the line to protect the population.”
The Centre For Israel and Jewish Affairs mourned the loss of Mizrahi, “a beloved member of Montreal’s Jewish community, an innocent victim of today’s events.
“Our thoughts and our deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this time of unimaginable pain.”
Mizrahi’s funeral last week was attended by hundreds of people, and an Islamic service for the officer held in Saint-Laurent was attended by about 1,000 members of the community. A memorial service was also held at the site of the shooting, which was preceded by a protest against incels.