Accused Jewish father assailant still detained in police custody
In Montreal's Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough, a disturbing incident unfolded on Friday afternoon in Dickie Moore Park. A Jewish father was brutally assaulted in front of his children, sparking widespread concern and condemnation from the Jewish community and public figures alike.
The attack saw the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Sergio Yanes Preciado, repeatedly punch the victim, rip off his kippa, and throw it into a fountain. Preciado then pushed the victim to the ground, punched him several times in the face, and kneed him before leaving the scene.
Despite community outcry and strong condemnation of the attack as antisemitic, the Montreal Police Service (SPVM) has not officially classified the incident as a hate crime. The police stated that the hate crime unit is not leading the investigation, and no official charge of hate crime has been laid yet.
The Jewish community and various Jewish organizations have expressed outrage at the attack. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs called it “a shocking act of antisemitic violence,” and political figures have demanded more action against antisemitism in Canada. High-profile figures, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Israeli officials, have also expressed outrage and concern over rising antisemitic incidents in Canada since 2023.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with Preciado being arrested and questioned. On Tuesday morning, he was formally charged with assault causing bodily harm. The prosecutor from the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales (DPCP) opposed the release of Mr. Preciado, and the magistrate forbade him from communicating with the victim.
As of the latest reports in August 2025, neither the SPVM nor the DPCP has confirmed whether the crime is considered hateful. The magistrate also ordered Sergio Yanes Preciado to meet with mental health intervention workers.
The attack has intensified calls for a government crackdown on antisemitism, but the official police stance remains that the incident is under investigation without a formal hate crime designation. The accused, Sergio Yanes Preciado, is set to appear again on Wednesday.
In a separate development, the Russian army has accelerated its advance in Ukraine, gaining an additional 110 km2 in 24 hours, marking its largest gain in over a year. This news has added to the global tension and uncertainty.
Crime-and-justice: The attack in Montreal's Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough, which saw a Jewish father brutally assaulted in front of his children, has not been officially classified as a hate crime by the Montreal Police Service (SPVM).
General-news and politics: The attack has intensified calls from the Jewish community, political figures, and the public for a government crackdown on antisemitism in light of rising antisemitic incidents in Canada since 2023.
