An unexpected wave of violence has shattered the peace of a major Canadian metropolis, raising immediate alarms over domestic extremism and targeted ideological attacks. Law enforcement agencies across the nation are on high alert as details emerge regarding the motivations of the perpetrator. The incident highlights a deeply troubling trend of online subcultures manifesting into real world violence.
Gunshots rang out Monday morning in the center west part of Montreal, Quebec, near one of the main thoroughfares of the Canadian metropolis. Montreal police officer Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, 34, and local Jewish resident Michael Mizrahi, 68, were killed during the encounter. Another female officer was also injured during the gunfire, though her condition was later reported as stable. Commenting on the horrific scene, the local police chief stated, "This is a tragedy, a nightmare."
The shooter, who was identified as 25 year old Seth Scott Hatfield of Lethbridge, Alberta, also died in the gunfire. Law enforcement officials described Hatfield's weapon as a long range firearm, though there has been no indication yet about how the suspect acquired it. Security forces were seen charging with weapons drawn toward a local branch of the Supermarché PA supermarket chain where the shooting began.
Following the termination of the threat, authorities discovered a manifesto of about 100 pages in which the shooter expressed his hatred of women. The text heavily followed the ideology of the incel, or involuntary celibate, movement. Sociological experts reviewed the document, noting that "the vocabulary and ideas that appear in it are faithful to incel philosophy."
The document expressed concern over male loneliness and explicitly blamed women's sexual liberation for the perceived problem. The text heavily referenced the concept of hypergamy, which is the idea that women only seek men who are taller, wealthier, and more successful. This anti feminist ideology has been cited in several attacks around the world in recent years, including a similar deadly attack in Toronto.
The manifesto also attacked the pornography industry and capitalism, suggesting a political solution to these grievances. One academic analyst observed that the text represents "a clear call for armed struggle." The 104 page document, which was later posted in full online, blames feminism, liberalism, and capitalism to explain a "situation of terrible loneliness, isolation, and social degradation."
Canada's federal police quickly sent a bulletin to police agencies across the country warning that the writing is "allegedly encouraging citizens to shoot police officers." The alert called on police to exercise extreme caution and remain highly vigilant in the wake of the threat. The document outlines what the shooter claims are "valid potential class A targets" for future attacks.
These targets included large investment banks, powerful politicians, influential Zionists, and corporate executives in private healthcare. The shooter also suggested hitting companies involved in environmental destruction, plastic surgeons, cryptocurrency speculators, and the headquarters of international pornography companies. The document ends with a chilling directive to readers, stating, "Be unflinching, go forth, and KILL THEM ALL!"
