Three people were killed and a suspect was shot dead by police in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges district on Tuesday evening, according to authorities. The incident began around 5:30 p.m. local time when a gunman opened fire at a residential building on Décarie Boulevard.
Police Response and Suspect Neutralized
Montreal police spokesperson Jean-Pierre Bouchard confirmed that officers arrived on the scene within minutes and engaged the suspect, who was fatally shot. The suspect, a 32-year-old man, had a criminal record and was known to police. Bouchard stated, "The quick actions of our officers prevented further loss of life." Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and a fourth person was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Victims and Community Impact
The victims were identified as two men and one woman, all in their 20s and 30s, according to police. The incident has shaken the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, a diverse area home to many families and students. Local resident Marie-Claude Tremblay said, "We heard shots and saw police everywhere. It's terrifying that something like this could happen here." Police have cordoned off the area for investigation and are appealing for witnesses.
Investigation Underway
The investigation is being led by Montreal police's major crimes unit, with assistance from Quebec's provincial police. Authorities are examining the suspect's background and possible motives. Bouchard added, "We are looking into whether this was a targeted attack or a random act of violence." The suspect's name has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Broader Context
Gun violence is relatively rare in Canada compared to the United States, but incidents have increased in recent years. In 2025, Canada recorded 277 gun-related homicides, according to Statistics Canada. Montreal has seen several high-profile shootings, including a 2023 attack at a downtown office building that left one dead. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed condolences on social media, saying, "My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. We stand with the people of Montreal."
