UPDATE: Assailant Charged In Assault On Jewish Father In Montreal Park

MONTREAL – A 23-year-old Montreal man, Sergio Yanes Preciado, has been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm following an attack on a 32-year-old Jewish father of three in a city park last Friday.

The incident, recorded by a bystander and widely shared online, occurred at Dickie Moore Park in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough. Police allege the accused sprayed the victim with a water bottle, pushed him to the ground, punched and kneed him, and fled on foot.

Preciado appeared in Quebec court, where a judge ordered him to undergo a 30-day psychiatric evaluation at the request of the Crown. The order followed a criminologist’s report citing signs of delirious thoughts and mental health concerns. He is prohibited from contacting the victim. His next court date is set for Sept. 12, 2025.

The attack has drawn swift condemnation from political leaders and Jewish organizations, who described it as part of a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents in Montreal.

Voices and Reactions

“Everyone in Canada has an inalienable right to live in safety. My thoughts are with the victim and his family as they recover, and my support is with law enforcement as they work to bring the perpetrator to justice.” — Prime Minister Mark Carney.

“I am deeply shocked… hatred and violence have no place [in Quebec]. I hope that justice will be served.” — Quebec Premier François Legault.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said she was “troubled by the violent and unacceptable attack” and that police “will get to the bottom of the incident.”

“Authorities must hold the attacker accountable, and leaders at all levels of government must confront this dangerous escalation.” — Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).

“We call on government officials at all levels and from all parties to condemn the incident and for all Canadians to do their part to stand up against antisemitism.” — Richard Robertson, Director of Research and Advocacy, B’nai Brith Canada.

“It was quite shocking that someone felt free to attack another person on our streets, in our city. The man was obviously Jewish… We’re worried, but we’re not going to hide our identities. We will stand strong as Quebecers and do what we can to protect our society.” — Eta Yudin, CIJA Quebec vice president.

“The victim is back home, but the children are certainly traumatized… part of an increasing pattern of hate directed against the Jewish community in Montreal.” — Rabbi Reuben Poupko, co-chair, CIJA Quebec.

“Let’s get the patrols put in place… Do something that will make the community feel safer!” — Rabbi Saul Emanuel, executive director, Jewish Community Council of Montreal.

“I am deeply disturbed by this video showing a member of the Jewish community being attacked for no reason in front of his child, whose cries can be heard. All Quebecers have the right to live in safety.” — Christopher Skeete, Quebec minister responsible for the fight against racism.

“I strongly condemn the unprovoked assault of a Jewish father, attacked in front of his children.” — Marjorie Michel, federal health minister and MP for Papineau.

“This is beyond deplorable; it is an outrage against basic human decency… We will defend our people, every time, without apology.” — Jeremy Levi, mayor of Hampstead.

“These are images reminiscent of dark periods of Jewish persecution… The Canadian government must do more to fight antisemitism.” — Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s foreign minister.

“We saw the horrific attack, and I want to send you, and your family, your beautiful children, strength and comfort… May you have a swift recovery in body and soul… The whole Jewish people stands with you.” — Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

This article is based on verified information from The Canadian Press, CTV News, Global News, and VINnews.