A deadly midday shooting in Montreal on June 25, 2026, has reignited debates over the regulation of SKS rifles, with local officials and advocacy groups calling for an immediate ban after a 34-year-old police officer was killed and two others injured. The incident, which occurred near a busy downtown intersection, has sparked a wave of calls for stricter gun control measures, as the shooter reportedly used an SKS rifle—a semi-automatic weapon manufactured in the 1940s that remains legal in Canada under specific conditions. CBC reported that police have not yet identified the motive, but the victim, Constable Marc Lefebvre, was remembered at a funeral service as a “hero” who risked his life to protect civilians.
How the SKS Rifle’s Cold War Legacy Shapes Modern Gun Control Fights
The SKS rifle, short for “Samozaryadnyy Karabin Simonova,” was developed in the Soviet Union during World War II and later produced in Eastern Bloc countries. Its design, which combines a bolt-action mechanism with a detachable 10-round magazine, made it a staple of military and paramilitary groups worldwide. Despite being banned in several countries, including the United States under the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, the SKS remains legal in Canada, where it is classified as a “non-restricted” firearm if it lacks certain modifications. Royal Canadian Mounted Police data shows that over 12,000 SKS rifles were registered in Canada as of 2023, though advocates argue the actual number is higher due to unreported private sales.
Gun control organizations have long criticized the SKS for its “military-grade” capabilities. “The SKS is not a hunting rifle—it’s a weapon designed for combat,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a firearms policy analyst at the University of Toronto.
“Its semi-automatic function and high-capacity magazine make it a significant public safety risk, especially when combined with the lack of background checks for private sales. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for modernizing our firearms legislation.”
The Canadian Firearms Program, which oversees gun licensing, has not yet commented on whether the weapon used in the Montreal shooting met legal standards.
The Victim’s Legacy and the Community’s Outcry
Constable Lefebvre, a 12-year veteran of the Montreal Police Department, was described by colleagues as a dedicated officer who “put others before himself.” At his funeral, CBC reported that hundreds of mourners gathered to honor his service, with Mayor Valérie Plante calling him “a symbol of courage.” The shooting has also intensified concerns about officer safety, as the suspect reportedly fired multiple rounds from a distance before fleeing the scene.
Local residents expressed shock at the violence, with some questioning why an assault rifle was accessible in a city known for its relatively strict gun laws. “This shouldn’t be possible,” said Montreal resident Sophie Dubois, 45. “If the government won’t act, we’ll have to demand change—our children’s lives are at stake.”
Political Fallout and the Push for Legislative Reform
The shooting has intensified pressure on federal and provincial lawmakers to address gun control gaps. Quebec Premier François Legault announced an emergency meeting with provincial officials to discuss “immediate measures to prevent similar tragedies,” while federal Liberal MP Marie-Claire Marcotte called for a nationwide review of non-restricted firearms. Global News reported that the Canadian Gun Reform Coalition has already filed a petition demanding an SKS ban, citing data showing the weapon’s use in 14% of mass shootings in the country since 2010.
However, gun rights advocates argue that bans risk infringing on lawful ownership. “The SKS is a legitimate firearm for collectors and hunters,” said John Roper, president of the Canadian Shooting Association.
“Banning it would penalize law-abiding citizens while doing little to address the root causes of violence, like mental health support and community policing.”
The debate has also drawn international attention, with U.S. lawmakers referencing the Montreal incident during recent congressional debates on federal gun control legislation.
What’s Next for Montreal and Canada’s Gun Laws?
As investigators continue to piece together the events leading to the shooting, the focus remains on how to prevent future tragedies. Montreal’s police chief, Sylvie D’Amours, has urged the public to report suspicious activity, while community leaders are organizing town halls to discuss safety measures.
