MONTREAL - A midday shooting in Montreal killed three people on Monday, including a police officer, a civilian, and the alleged gunman, triggering rare levels of shock across the Canadian city.
The bloodshed occurred in a partly Jewish neighbourhood that includes kosher markets and restaurants, and the civilian who has shot dead has been identified as a member of Montreal's Jewish community.
But police have declined comment on the shooter's motive.
Montreal police chief Fady Dagher said Monday's incident was "a tragedy, a nightmare."
Dagher said police received a call about an active shooting in Montreal's Cote-des-Neiges neighborhood at around 11.30am.
Police responded and a shootout ensued, with the assailant firing from inside a building with a long gun, Dagher told reporters at the scene.
Dagher confirmed one male officer, later identified as Mohamed Lamine Benredoune, was shot dead.
Another female officer sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
Dagher also confirmed the gunman was dressed in what appeared to be military-style clothing.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was "horrified" by the violence.
Dagher stressed the investigation had not yet produced any indications as to motive.
"It's important to be very careful of rumors," he said.
Quebec Premier Christine Frechette said she was "deeply shaken by the tragic events," while urging people to "avoid speculation," about what transpired.
The area had initially been locked down but officers were began leaving the scene on Monday afternoon, and regular traffic was beginning to resume.
- by Daphné Lemelin (AFP)