MONTREAL — The celebrations for Saint-Jean Baptiste Day in Montreal have been significantly muted this year due to a tragic shooting incident that resulted in the deaths of three individuals earlier this week. The Côte-des-Neiges Business Development Corporation announced the cancellation of the scheduled Fête nationale festivities “out of respect” for the community following this devastating event.
On June 22, 2026, a shooting occurred in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, claiming the lives of Montreal police officer Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, a civilian bystander named Michel Mizrahi, and the alleged gunman, Seth Scott Hatfield. Hatfield, a 25-year-old from Lethbridge, Alberta, had reportedly authored a manifesto that exhibited misogynistic sentiments and advocated for further violence. This shocking disclosure has raised significant awareness and fear across various communities in the province.
In light of the incident, municipal facilities in the Côte-des-Neiges borough were ordered to close. Montreal's police watchdog has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, while Quebec provincial police have begun an independent criminal probe. Additionally, police forces in British Columbia have been alerted to the potential existence of an anti-police manifesto that may be linked to this tragic event in Montreal.
The decision to cancel the Quebec National Day celebrations, originally set for June 24, 2026, was announced via social media by the SDC Côte-des-Neiges. In their statement, the organization acknowledged the somber atmosphere within the community and the need to avoid large gatherings that could heighten distress amongst residents in the wake of the shooting.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada visited the affected neighborhood to show solidarity and support to the grieving community. During her visit, she emphasized the importance of safety for all Montrealers while acknowledging the troubling trends of violence and hate speech proliferated through online platforms. “We need to ensure that the city is safe, but we also need to keep an eye on social media,” she expressed during her statements.
This harrowing incident has resonated throughout Quebec, impacting not only the local community but also prompting discussions about public safety and the influences of online discourse on real-world violence. As investigations continue, the focus remains on how to address these pressing concerns effectively while ensuring the safety of all citizens.
