Heavy gunfire broke out in Westbury, Montreal, very close to the local Chabad center, according to early reports received by ZAKA International’s hotline. Canadian authorities and Jewish organizations are now examining a strong suspicion that the incident was a planned terror attack aimed at a Jewish institution.
Initial information from the scene says there may be two dead, including a local police officer and an armed female attacker who was neutralized by security forces. Montreal police have surrounded the area because of a serious fear that hostages are being held, and two additional suspects are still believed to be at large nearby.
The situation remains an active shooter event, and there is concern that members of the alleged terror cell have not all been stopped. ZAKA volunteers are in continuous contact with emergency, medical, and local officials while monitoring developments.
ZAKA volunteer Moishi Blech, who is near the scene, said the reports of hostages complicate the security operation. He described police as deployed in very large numbers, blocking entire streets and sealing off a wide perimeter. Blech urged community members and residents to follow security instructions, stay inside their homes, and avoid the area. Montreal police also issued an urgent warning to residents of Côte-des-Neiges to remain indoors, lock doors and windows, and stay away from openings.
