By: Fern Sidman

Montreal police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with a violent assault on a 32-year-old Orthodox Jewish father at Dickie Moore Park in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough, VIN News reported on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred last Friday, has prompted outrage from the city’s Jewish community and drawn condemnation from national, provincial, and municipal leaders.

According to the information provided in the VIN News report, the victim was at the park with his three children when the suspect approached him and sprayed liquid from a water bottle. When the father confronted the man, the altercation escalated into a brutal attack. Witnesses and video evidence show the victim being pushed to the ground, punched repeatedly in the face, and kicked as his young children stood nearby.

A short video clip, circulated widely on social media platform X and cited by VIN News, depicts the shocking nature of the incident. The footage shows the assailant delivering multiple blows to the victim, who appears unable to defend himself, while the man’s children can be seen just feet away. The suspect fled the scene on foot immediately after the assault.

Police later confirmed to VIN News that the man was located and arrested on Monday by officers from the North Regional Investigation Section. While the suspect remains in custody for questioning, no formal charges have yet been filed. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name, consistent with standard procedure before charges are laid.

In statements to VIN News, Montreal police spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant noted that the attack has not, at this stage, been classified as a hate crime. The force’s dedicated hate crimes unit is not currently leading the investigation, though Brabant emphasized that the matter remains under active review.

“The investigation is ongoing,” Brabant told VIN News, adding that if evidence emerges pointing to a bias motive, the classification could be reconsidered. Police underscored their commitment to pursuing all relevant leads and ensuring a thorough examination of the case.

Authorities also credited members of the public with helping to locate the suspect, thanking residents for providing key information that aided investigators in making an arrest.

The attack has drawn swift and widespread condemnation. The report at VIN News noted that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement describing the incident as “an appalling act of violence” and expressing solidarity with the victim and his family.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante also voiced outrage, stating that her thoughts were with the victim and his children and calling for justice to be served. Quebec Premier François Legault joined in denouncing the assault, emphasizing that violence of this nature is unacceptable in the province’s communities.

Local Jewish organizations have called for heightened vigilance and stronger protections for Orthodox Jewish residents, particularly in light of the emotional trauma inflicted on the victim’s children, who witnessed the assault at close range.

According to the information contained in the VIN News report, once the police investigation is complete, the file will be forwarded to the Crown prosecutor’s office for review. Prosecutors will then determine the appropriate charges, which could range from assault causing bodily harm to more serious offenses depending on the evidence gathered.

Police have not disclosed whether additional witnesses have been interviewed or whether further video evidence exists beyond the footage already circulating online.

As the case progresses, VIN News reported that both community members and local officials are urging a careful and transparent process that will both ensure accountability and address broader concerns about public safety.