A man wearing full camouflage gear and combat boots drew alarm in Hampstead Park this week after being identified online as Mohamed Achraf Maatoug, a man once sought by Laval police for a 2017 homicide at the Moomba nightclub.
The incident took place during a children’s soccer game in the heart of the Jewish suburb, where parents quickly noticed the man’s military-style clothing, black beanie, and tactical posture as he stood alone near the field. Photos later posted online by the X account @L3v1at4an show the man in dark camouflage fatigues, a vest, and black boots watching the match. The images spread rapidly through community channels and provoked concern about safety and the presence of someone once accused of murder.
In a detailed post, Leviathan wrote: “A man dressed as a terrorist for a kid’s soccer game in the Jewish community of Montreal in Hampstead Park. We have identified the man as Mohamed Achraf Maatoug, previously sought by police in Laval for murder.”
He continued: “The SPVM has emboldened terrorist loyalists to act in such a manner, and there are groups in Canada who will call you Islamophobic for pointing this out.”
The account’s comments quickly drew attention from Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi, who confirmed, in a social media post, that the man was indeed present in the park. “Yes, he came to Hampstead Park to watch his son play soccer,” Levi wrote, “No, there is no warrant against him. Regardless, we’re watching.”
Laval police records show that a man by the same name was arrested in 2017 after being wanted across Canada for the fatal stabbing of a man inside Moomba nightclub. He was detained in British Columbia and transferred back to Quebec. There are no current public records of an active warrant or conviction under that name.
The sight of a man in combat gear standing silently at a children’s game struck many residents as disturbing, particularly given the tense climate for Jewish communities in Montreal. Parents described the atmosphere as anxious and uneasy, unsure whether to call police or approach him. The camouflage clothing and stern demeanor triggered memories of recent antisemitic incidents across the region.
So far, neither Laval Police nor the SPVM has issued a statement about the man’s current legal status or confirmed whether they have spoken to him following the incident.
Mayor Levi reassured residents that the situation is being closely monitored and that safety remains the town’s top priority. “We are aware, and we’re watching,” he reiterated.
