Michael Mizrahi, 68, Identified as Civilian Killed in Montreal Shooting

Q: An innocent man was killed during a police shootout. Will investigators reveal whose bullet was responsible for the tragedy?

Yes—investigators will almost certainly try to determine whose bullet killed Michael Mizrahi, but whether that finding is made public in full is less certain. The key fact is that Quebec’s Bureau of Independent Investigations, the BEI, is handling the case because a civilian died during a police operation. Its job is to reconstruct what happened, including the sequence of shots, the positions of officers and the gunman, and the source of fatal wounds. That typically involves autopsy results, ballistic testing, firearms analysis, video review and witness interviews. Right now, authorities have not said whether Mizrahi was struck by police fire or by the suspect’s gunfire. Police have also not publicly explained the exact circumstances of his death. The available reporting makes clear that this specific question is part of the active investigation. Whether the public will learn the answer depends on what the BEI and prosecutors choose to release. In Canada, investigators often disclose the broad finding—such as whether a civilian was killed by police or by a suspect—but may withhold technical details while the case is active or if no charges follow. If the investigation leads to criminal charges, a coroner’s process, or a public report, more detail is likely to emerge. So the answer is twofold: investigators are expected to determine it if the evidence allows, but public disclosure may come slowly and may not include every forensic detail.

3 articles · Updated · Montreal Gazette · Jun 23

Michael Mizrahi, 68, was identified as the civilian killed in Monday’s shooting in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood.
The attack also left Const. Mohamed Lamine Benredouane dead, wounded a second officer and ended with the suspected shooter’s death, while police still have not detailed how the killings unfolded.
Rabbi Mendel Raskin, who knew Mizrahi for more than 30 years, described him as a generous suit salesman originally from Lebanon who later lived in Israel before settling in Montreal.
Confusion persisted after the shooting because relatives were told Mizrahi might have reached a hospital alive, but his son later confirmed his identity at the scene.
Dozens attended a Montreal prayer service Monday evening for Mizrahi, who leaves a son in his late 30s and two daughters in Israel.