Shooting Outside Ontario Synagogue Leaves Two Injured

A 29-year-old man armed with a shotgun opened fire on a police officer stationed outside an Ontario synagogue during Yom Kippur, triggering a shootout involving as many as 30 shots. The gunfire left the man with life-threatening injuries and seriously wounded a veteran of the Belleville Police Service, whose condition had stabilized as he recovered in intensive care.

Kristy Denette, a spokesperson for the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), said nearby vehicles and homes were riddled with bullet holes. There was no forensic confirmation Monday as to whether the synagogue itself was hit. The scene appeared to stretch about half a block from the Sons of Jacob Synagogue.

The SIU said preliminary evidence showed the man arrived in a truck around 7 p.m. on Sunday and fired at an officer outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, about 110 miles east of Toronto. The officer returned fire before a second officer arrived and also fired. About two dozen people were inside the synagogue when gunfire erupted. One of them, Douglas Lobel, said it lasted two or three minutes and 'seemed like an eternity.'

Belleville police Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks identified the alleged shooter as Sean Ward, of the nearby city of Quinte West, and the officer as Const. Jeff Smith, a 13-year veteran of the force. Police have not established a motive or said whether the Sons of Jacob Synagogue or the Jewish community was targeted.

The SIU is investigating the actions of the officers, while Belleville police are conducting a parallel criminal investigation that will examine the man's actions and possible motive. Meeks acknowledged the shooting's impact on Belleville's Jewish community, particularly because it happened outside the synagogue during Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

The synagogue canceled its remaining Yom Kippur services following the shooting. Police increased patrols and their presence around places of worship but said there was no ongoing threat to public safety. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the shooting in a social media post, saying, 'Jewish people must be able to worship safely' and 'live free, open, proud Jewish lives.' He said the federal government would support law enforcement in ensuring the perpetrator is held accountable.