Thousands gather in Montréal to honour fallen officer Mohamed Lamine Benredouane

Thousands of police officers, dignitaries and members of the general public gathered Tuesday, July 7 to pay respects to fallen Montreal police officer Mohamed Lamine Benredouane at a public memorial in his honour. Benredouane lost his life in a shootout with an assailant in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood on June 22.

Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher told the crowd that Benredouane's sacrifice will not be forgotten. "Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, on that June 22nd, you gave your life in order for others to live. The people of Montreal owe you a debt they will never be able to pay back," Dagher said. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette called Benredouane "a man who chose to serve, who chose to protect all Quebecers. And he did so until the ultimate sacrifice."

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada emphasized the city's solidarity. "Montreal is crying and Montreal was present. Montrealers were all across the streets, police officers. I think it was a moment in silence, in dignity, in solidarity."

Samir Benserradj, who knew Benredouane and his twin brother, attended the procession to pay his respects. "Very devastated because you never can be prepared for this kind of news. The way he died is very difficult for them," he said.