A gunman armed with a long firearm opened fire at a Montreal hotel on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and a civilian, officials said. The suspect was killed by police after the initial shooting, and a second officer was seriously injured but is reported to be in stable condition.

The incident occurred in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood near 11:35 a.m. local time, when emergency services received a call about a person brandishing a gun from a hotel window. Police Chief Fady Dagher said officers arrived at the Hilton hotel and were immediately met with gunfire from the suspect, who was also seen outside the building. Footage circulated on social media showed an exchange of gunfire between the suspect, dressed in an olive-colored jacket and cargo pants, and responding officers.

“This is the first time in 24 years that a Montreal police officer has been killed in the line of duty,” Dagher said. He described the day as “a very, very sad day” and “a nightmare.” The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities have not determined who fired the shot that killed the civilian.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire. Jacob Coutu, a construction worker near the scene, estimated hearing 30 to 40 shots and observed police responding in large numbers. “We saw cops getting in a gunfight, getting shot down,” he said.

In response to the threat, public safety officials issued an emergency alert warning residents to shelter in place. The alert led to temporary closures of a major highway, the Décarie Expressway, and significant sections of two subway lines. Authorities confirmed the suspect was deceased before issuing the alert, which was lifted shortly after 3 p.m.

Quebec Domestic Security Minister Ian Lafrenière said during an evening news conference that he would withhold comment on the suspect’s identity and motives while an independent police watchdog conducts its investigation. The incident has prompted heightened security and a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.