Autopsy finds fatal head wound in Côte‑des‑Neiges shooting came from suspect’s rifle, not officer
Autopsy determines fatal head wound in the Côte‑des‑Neiges shooting came from the suspect’s rifle, not the police officer; multiple probes continue into the June 22 attack.
The autopsy on Michel Mizrahi has concluded that the fatal head wound in the Côte‑des‑Neiges shooting on June 22 was consistent with a shot fired by the attacker’s weapon, not by the responding officer, according to media reports confirmed by national broadcasters. The finding — which identified multiple gunshot wounds and a left‑to‑right trajectory for the lethal head wound — undercuts social media claims that the officer fired the fatal shot. Authorities say the evidence so far points to the shooter’s rifle as the source of the fatal bullet.
Autopsy findings and ballistic analysis
The coroner’s report released following the June autopsy determined that Michel Mizrahi suffered several gunshot wounds, with the fatal wound entering the head in a direction described by medical examiners as left to right. That trajectory, officials say, is inconsistent with shots that would have been fired from the position occupied by the police officer at the scene. Media organizations first reported the autopsy conclusions and those accounts were subsequently corroborated by national public broadcasting sources.
Forensic specialists rely on wound trajectories, ballistic markings and other physical evidence to reconstruct shootings, and the autopsy finding narrows one key question about who fired the fatal round. Investigators caution that while the autopsy identifies the likely path and nature of the fatal injury, additional forensic testing and reconstruction will be needed to fully document the sequence of fire.
Sequence of events on June 22
On June 22 the attacker, identified as 25‑year‑old Seth Scott Hatfield, opened fire from a hotel room at a Hilton located across from office windows, striking occupants and prompting multiple 911 calls. Hatfield is reported to have used a military‑style SKS rifle, firing through windows toward people inside the building before the first pair of police officers arrived at the scene.
The first responding team engaged with the suspect outside the building, and authorities say the gunman shot one of the officers, identified as Const. Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, who later died from his wounds. The other officer in the pair — a woman with approximately 15 months on the job — was also struck, suffering wounds to an arm and the abdomen, and was treated in hospital.
Allegations on social media and threats against officer
Videos shared widely on social platforms in the immediate aftermath of the attack fueled claims that the injured officer had shot a civilian, leading to heated debate and accusations online. Police spokespeople and public officials have said those assertions were inaccurate and that the officer was herself a victim of the shooter’s gunfire. The officer, who was hospitalized in critical condition after the attack, has since reported receiving death threats while recovering.
SPVM director Fady Dagher publicly expressed concern over the speed with which unverified social media posts translated into public condemnation of the wounded officer. He described the experience of being shot, suffering serious injuries and then facing accusations on social media as deeply unfair, while refraining from confirming specific forensic findings pending the completion of formal investigations.
Investigations by BEI, SQ and the coroner
Three separate investigations have been launched to establish the full facts of the incident: the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and the coroner’s office. Each body has distinct mandates — the BEI typically investigates police use‑of‑force matters, the SQ may be involved in broader criminal or scene investigations, and the coroner examines cause and manner of death.
Officials say the investigations will include ballistic testing, review of body‑worn and civilian video footage, witness interviews and a timeline reconstruction of movements and shots fired. Authorities have emphasized that while the autopsy provides key medical findings, investigative conclusions about sequence, responsibility and potential criminal charges will depend on the combined work of the three inquiries.
Community response and law enforcement memorials
The fatal shooting of Const. Benredouane and the wounding of his partner prompted significant response across policing communities. On July 7 approximately 5,000 police officers from Canada and the United States gathered at Centre Bell for a ceremony honoring the fallen constable and marking the risks faced by frontline officers. A memorial near the shooting site drew candles and flowers on July 1, reflecting local mourning and solidarity.
Community leaders and police officials have called for restraint in public commentary as investigators assemble the evidence. Civic groups and some public figures have urged social media platforms and users to avoid amplifying unverified claims that can endanger individuals and hamper investigative work.
Outstanding questions and next steps
Investigators continue to analyze ballistic evidence and video footage to map the exact sequence of shots and locations of participants during the June 22 attack. Officials have not announced criminal charges linked to the fatal civilian shooting beyond confirming the identity of the active shooter. The three independent probes are expected to release findings in stages as forensic testing and interviews are completed.
Authorities have reiterated that while preliminary autopsy results point to the suspect’s rifle as the source of the fatal head wound to Michel Mizrahi, the overall legal and factual record will be established when all investigative teams have completed their work and shared results.
The incident has renewed calls for careful public discourse in the wake of violence, and investigators urge anyone with information or relevant footage to come forward to aid the inquiries into the Côte‑des‑Neiges shooting.
