BREAKING: Active Shooting Unfolds Steps From Montreal Chabad Community — Officer Killed, 100 Shelter Inside Chabad House

by CrownHeights.info

UPDATE: A Jewish member of the Montreal community was caught in the crossfire, and i in need of Tehillim: Moshe ben Shlomo.

The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) confirmed the incident began at approximately 11:35 a.m. The shooting unfolded near Decarie Boulevard and Westbury Avenue, an area with a large Jewish and Chabad population and several community institutions, including Beth Rivkah Academy, Chai Center, MADA, Vaad Ha’ir, and Yagdil Torah.

A Montreal police officer was killed by gunfire during the operation. A suspect was also reported killed, and a bystander wounded.

Local Chabad emissary Rabbi Chaim Shlomo Cohen told Ynet from Montreal: “The shooting was directed at a building near the Chabad House. Shots were fired from the hotel at another building. One police officer was wounded. One shooter was caught, and police are apparently still searching for a second.” He added: “Police brought people from the hotels to us at the Chabad House. There are about 100 of us here, including volunteers and people who were brought here.”

SPVM spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant stated: “We are asking everyone to avoid the sector. The situation is not under control. During the operation, there was an officer that was injured.”

An emergency alert was issued, warning that a suspect is armed and dangerous. Montreal police are urging residents in Côte-des-Neiges to stay indoors, lock their doors, and avoid the area around De Courtrai and Trans Island Avenues.

A large police perimeter was established around the area, which includes commercial properties and hotels near the highway. The Sûreté du Québec has also deployed officers to assist with the operation.

A witness identified only as Jean-Pierre, manager of a paint store 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 area is home to Jewish sites, including a Chabad House and a kosher restaurant, though the target and motive are not yet clear. Social media footage circulating online showed an active shooter scene on Decarie near the PA Grocery Store.

A public safety alert was broadcast across radio, TV, and mobile phones. The affected area is bordered by Côte-des-Neiges, McDonald, Highway 40, and Queen Mary Road. The Decarie Expressway (A-15) northbound is completely blocked to traffic at the exit to Côte-St-Luc Road.

This is a developing story. CrownHeights.info will update as more information becomes available.