From Canadian Jewish News and the Jerusalem Post (thanks to RH)
One Montreal police officer and a civilian were killed, another police officer was critically injured, and a suspect was shot dead Monday morning during a dramatic shooting at a residential and commercial complex in Montreal’s Snowdon district.
The injured female officer is now out of danger, according to Montreal police.
Reports of shots fired on Westbury Avenue, near the Décarie Expressway, began at approximately 11:15 a.m. The site is a complex of six condominium, mixed-use and hotel buildings with commercial businesses at street level.
Locals reported 20-30 shots being fired. It is a heavily Jewish area with numerous kosher restaurants, a Chabad center, Jewish schools, and Jewish community centers. The shooting location is right next to the Hilton Hotel.
Videos from the scene showed two bodies on the floor. A gunman, seemingly Caucasian, can be seen face down wearing camouflage, and a rifle (seemingly an SKS) is also visible on the floor nearby.
According to local media, a suspect in the shooting prepared a manifesto before opening fire and sent it to various media outlets.
Quebec Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière said it was too soon to speculate when asked whether the RCMP could have a role in the investigation. Meanwhile, he says, he was “surprised and shocked. It’s a very sad moment.”
Asked about reports circulating online regarding an alleged manifesto, Lafrenière urged caution. “Listen, my experience as a cop who was at Dawson during the shooting, I remember rumours being in circulation,” he said. “We have to be very careful. I don’t want to contribute to that.”
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) said it is closely following the situation, adding “thoughts first go to all those affected by this incident, as well as to all the police officers mobilized to ensure the safety of citizens.” CIJA also sent “sincere condolences” to the family of the fallen officer, his loved ones, and all his colleagues.
