Montreal synagogue targeted by attempted arson attack

A synagogue in Westmount was targeted by an attempted arson attack, Friday, June 5, 2026. (Ken Dow/CTV News)

A synagogue in Westmount on the Island of Montreal was targeted by an attempted arson attack early Friday morning.

Montreal police (SPVM) received a 911 call at 12:15 a.m. about the incident on Sherbrooke Street near Wood Avenue.

“When police arrived on the scene, they were assisted by the Westmount public safety officers,” said Caroline Chèvrefils, a spokesperson with Montreal police. “They all quickly located and arrested a suspect not far from the scene, a 38-year-old man.”

He is expected to be met by investigators sometime during the day.

Chèvrefils adds that firefighters were called to quickly bring the flames under control.

“According to the first information, the suspect would have smashed a window to the place of worship with the intention of setting a fire inside,” she said. “Incendiary materials were found at the scene.”

There were no reported injuries.

Damage to the building is considered minor.

The file has been transferred to the Montreal police arson squad.