Montreal police are investigating an assault on a 32-year-old Jewish man that occurred on Friday afternoon in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough. The incident took place around 2:45 p.m. local time while the man was with his three young children.

According to police spokesperson Const. Caroline Chèvrefils, officers responded to a 911 call regarding the altercation at the intersection of l'Épée and Beaumont avenues. A video of the incident, which has circulated online, shows the assailant straddling the victim and striking him multiple times while he is on the ground. The video, lasting 28 seconds, does not provide context for the attack but captures the moment the attacker throws a kippa, a traditional Jewish head covering, into a nearby splash pad area.

The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was assisted by his children during the assault. The assailant fled the scene before police arrived and remains at large. The motive for the attack has not yet been determined.

Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the incident on social media, calling it "an appalling act of violence." He emphasized that everyone in Canada has the right to live safely and expressed his support for the victim and law enforcement efforts to apprehend the attacker.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante described the assault as "troubling" and stated that the police would thoroughly investigate the matter. Jeremy Levi, the mayor of Hampstead, also condemned the attack, labeling it "beyond deplorable" and an affront to human decency. He expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, stating, "We will defend our people — every time, without apology."

Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Quebec's minister responsible for the fight against racism, Christopher Skeete, also voiced their concerns. Skeete remarked, "I am deeply disturbed by this video showing a member of the Jewish community being attacked for no reason in front of his child, whose cries can be heard. All Quebecers have the right to live in safety."

The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.