Family of Abisay Cruz, who died after a police altercation in Montreal, sees chilling parallels to George Floyd’s case. Investigation is underway.
Family of Montreal Man Sees Echoes of George Floyd in Police Death
Community Calls for Justice Following Fatal Police Altercation
The death of 29-year-old Abisay Cruz in northeast Montreal after an altercation with police is prompting painful comparisons to the death of George Floyd in the U.S. A vigil held Sunday marked both the fifth anniversary of Floyd’s murder and a call for accountability in Cruz’s case, which is now under investigation by Quebec’s police watchdog.
A Mother’s Anguish, A Community in Mourning
Cruz’s mother, Marcelina Isidro, watched the vigil from the balcony where part of the fatal altercation unfolded. In video footage captured during the incident, Cruz can be heard crying out in French, “Je vais mourir” (“I’m going to die”). The footage has reignited debate over the treatment of racialized individuals during police interventions in Montreal’s Saint-Michel neighbourhood.
What Happened That Day
According to preliminary findings from the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), Montreal police responded to a 911 call on March 30 regarding a person in crisis near Pie-IX Boulevard. An altercation ensued between Cruz and the officers, leading to him being restrained. The BEI reported that Cruz lost consciousness and later died in hospital.
Family-released video shows two officers restraining Cruz on a balcony, with at least one appearing to kneel on his back — details that have fueled public concern.
Why the George Floyd Comparison?
“This is an opportunity to show that George Floyd can happen here in Montreal,” said Fo Niemi, head of the Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR). Floyd’s death, where he could be heard saying “I can’t breathe,” drew global condemnation. In Cruz’s case, relatives note he too expressed distress — a painful parallel that cannot be ignored, they say.
A Demand for Transparency and Reform
The Cruz family is calling for a public coroner’s inquest. While the coroner’s office has not confirmed whether it will proceed, public pressure is mounting. Community members, including Cruz’s childhood friend Cristian Bermudez, remember him as loyal and kind. “It’s been very hard, especially the way that he went out,” Bermudez said.
Tensions in Saint-Michel
Josué Cruz, the victim’s younger brother, believes racial profiling played a role in the fatal encounter. “The arrest would’ve unfolded differently if he were white,” he said. He described police relations with Black, Arab, and Latino residents in the area as “tense” and called for accountability and reform.
Next Steps and Public Response
The Montreal police declined to comment, citing the ongoing BEI investigation. As the community continues to mourn, vigils and protests are expected to persist. Josué Cruz added that even Abisay’s 9-year-old son is struggling to understand what happened. “He’s asking things like whether police are actually there to help,” he said.
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