After a fatal shooting incident on June 22, rumors circulating on social media falsely claimed that a Montreal police officer had shot civilian Michel Mizrahi, who tragically lost his life during the operation. However, sources from Radio-Canada have confirmed that this information is inaccurate. La Presse initially reported this news on Wednesday.
An autopsy revealed that Mizrahi sustained multiple gunshot wounds that proved fatal, including a shot to the head. Analysis of the fatal shot indicated a left-to-right trajectory, contradicting the position of the police officer involved. This analysis eliminated the possibility that the officer’s firearm was responsible for the fatal shot.
According to Radio-Canada sources, the police officer, who had been serving for only 15 months, was being pursued by the perpetrator during the incident. The assailant had previously shot and killed the officer’s patrol partner, Const. Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, who was found nearby.
The gunman used an SKS rifle, injuring the police officer in the arm and abdomen before being fatally shot by law enforcement shortly after. Investigations by various authorities, including Quebec’s police watchdog, provincial police, and the coroner’s office, are ongoing.
Following the incident, multiple videos surfaced on social media from various angles, leading many to speculate that the officer mistakenly shot Mizrahi, who had appeared suddenly. The officer, who received death threats while in critical condition in the hospital, faced public scrutiny.
Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher, in an interview with Radio-Canada, expressed his support for the officer and anticipated her recognition for her actions during the incident. He did not confirm the details reported by La Presse.
The events unfolded at around 11:35 a.m. when authorities responded to reports of an armed individual at a Hilton hotel in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood. A shootout ensued between the police and the assailant, resulting in tragic consequences.