Montreal police make 2nd arrest in 2023 shooting that targeted Jewish school

A 19-year-old was arrested Wednesday morning by Montreal police in connection with shots fired at a Jewish school in November 2023. 

Police said in a news release that the suspect was arrested following a months-long investigation into the gunshots aimed at the school.

On May 22, a first suspect, a 20-year-old man, was arrested in the Montreal borough of LaSalle. He appeared at the Montreal courthouse the same day and was charged with discharging a firearm, as well as with vehicle theft. 

Police have not released the second suspect's identity, nor where he was arrested. The news release said he would make a first court appearance Wednesday afternoon, but did not list what charges he faces.

The shooting took place on Nov. 12, damaging the Yeshiva Gedola of Montreal in the district of Côte-des-Neiges.

The shots were heard around 5 a.m. on Deacon Road near the intersection of Van Horne Avenue. A suspect was seen firing in the direction of the school before leaving the scene in a vehicle, the SPVM says.

Bullet impact marks were found on the facade of the school. Shell casings were also found on the ground nearby. No one was injured.

The Nov. 12 incident was the second time the school had been shot at in four days. Lionel Perez, a city councillor and spokesperson for the school, called it a "terrorist attack" at the time. He said the community was concerned, but would not be terrorized.

Montreal police have not said whether there could be other arrests. 

"Let us reiterate the importance of the public's collaboration in the fight against gun violence. Anyone with information on this subject can contact 911 or their neighbourhood police station," said the news release.