Hampstead residents can finally breathe a little easier. Montreal police have arrested a 39-year-old man after two acts of hate where the Israeli flag was torched right in front of the town hall, not once, but twice in just four days.
The flames lit up Queen Mary Road on August 22 and again on August 25, sending a chilling message to a community already on edge. But the arsonist didn’t stay free for long. Investigators from the SPVM moved in this week, raiding a home in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension and seizing evidence with the help of their Arson and Explosives Section. The suspect is now behind bars and set to appear at the Montréal Courthouse.
Mayor Jeremy Levi hailed the arrest as proof that Hampstead will not be intimidated. “We commend their professionalism and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community,” Levi said, praising the SPVM and Hampstead’s own Public Security team for their rapid response.
After each act of arson, Hampstead wasted no time replacing the Israeli flag. Following the second fire, the town raised a new flag , one twice the size
