MONTREAL — Montreal police (SPVM) are actively investigating an antisemitic incident that occurred outside a polling station in Outremont, where a group of suspects shouted “Allah Akbar” at Hasidic Jewish voters waiting in line.
Authorities report that one individual has been arrested, while several others remain at large amid an ongoing search by officers in the area.
The distressing event, which took place during a period of heightened tensions around Jewish institutions, has prompted an increase in police patrols and renewed calls for community vigilance.
Eyewitness reports shared on social media indicate that suspects arrived at the polling location and targeted visibly Jewish voters with intimidating chants.
The incident is being treated as a hate-motivated attack by law enforcement and has drawn immediate condemnation from local leaders and advocacy organizations. Montreal’s Jewish community leaders said the intimidation of voters is particularly disturbing given recent nationwide spikes in antisemitic conduct.
One community representative stated, “No Canadian should have to fear violence or harassment while participating in the democratic process.”
Jewish organizations called on city officials to apply existing hate crime laws and bolster protection for Jewish neighborhoods, including Outremont, which has a large Hasidic population.
The investigation comes on the heels of other violent attacks on Jewish individuals and institutions in Montreal. Over the past months, incidents have ranged from vandalism at synagogues to assaults on Jewish parents and children in local parks.
In response, police have stepped up patrols near synagogues and polling stations, and federal authorities are considering expanded hate crime legislation that would impose new penalties for intimidation at places of worship and voting sites.
Prime Minister Carney and Quebec Premier François Legault both have issued prior statements condemning antisemitic attacks and expressing solidarity with the Jewish community. “Canada stands firm against antisemitic hate and intimidation,” Carney said, promising swift action and support for victims.
Jewish leaders continue to urge government and law enforcement to guarantee the safety of all citizens, with many stating that incidents targeting Jewish voters during elections are an affront to the principles of Canadian democracy.
The SPVM is expected to release further details as its investigation proceeds. Anyone with information on the suspects is encouraged to contact the police anonymously.
This article is based on verified information from Montreal city police, B’nai Brith Canada, community eyewitness reports, and Canadian media coverage.