A member of Montreal’s Jewish community reportedly was killed Monday after being caught in the crossfire of the deadly shooting incident that erupted in the city’s Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood.

While several reports identified the victim as Michoel Mizrachi a”h, YWN spoke with two Lubavitch shluchim in Montreal, both of whom said they were unable to independently confirm that he had been killed as of this posting (3:15PM ET).

However, Israel’s ZAKA International Unit said it has been informed that a Jewish resident of Montreal succumbed to his injuries following the shooting. According to ZAKA, local authorities are still investigating the exact circumstances of his death, including the possibility that he was struck during the exchange of gunfire. ZAKA says they are in contact with the victim’s family, and the Jewish community.

Meanwhile, at around 4:30PM ET, Zaka posted an update backtracking their original post that he was killed, and instead posted a name for Tehillim.

“Contrary to earlier reports, Moshe Michael ben Miriam is alive and remains in critical condition.

After initial reports claimed he had passed away, ZAKA volunteer Moishy Blech of Montreal—who knows the family and davens with the victim in the same shul—contacted the family to verify the information.

Following discussions with the victim’s son and the shul’s rav, it was confirmed that Moshe Michael is still alive. He is currently undergoing emergency surgery as doctors fight to save his life.

The public is urged to continue davening for the refuah sheleimah of Moshe Michael ben Miriam.”

One police officer was killed and another was seriously wounded before responding officers shot and killed the attacker.

The shooting occurred in the heart of Montreal’s Jewish community, near several Chabad institutions, schools, and kosher establishments.

The investigation remains ongoing.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)