A police officer and a 29-year-old man were wounded in a shootout outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur services.
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ManyPress Editorial
Key facts
- •The shooting took place in Belleville, Ontario, approximately 110 to 118 miles east of Toronto.
- •The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Sean Ward from Quincy West.
- •SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette stated that investigators believe the shooting may have been premeditated.
- •The officer involved was stationed outside the synagogue in an unmarked vehicle to provide security during the holiday services.
- •No congregants inside the synagogue were injured during the incident.
A police officer and a 29-year-old suspect were hospitalized following an exchange of gunfire Sunday evening outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario. The incident occurred around 7:10 p.m. as the Jewish community gathered for Yom Kippur services. Both individuals remain in the hospital, with the suspect in life-threatening condition and the officer in critical-stable condition.
By the numbers
Details of the Incident
According to Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the suspect arrived in the area by truck and discharged a shotgun at a police officer stationed outside the building. The officer returned fire, and a second officer later arrived and also discharged a firearm. SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette estimated that between 20 and 30 shots were fired during the exchange, which resulted in damage to nearby homes and vehicles.
Synagogue Response and Official Reaction
Synagogue President Norman Weddum reported that he was ushering congregants into the sanctuary when he heard the gunfire. He instructed those inside to get down and secured the auditorium doors. While no one inside the synagogue was wounded, Weddum stated that the building sustained multiple bullet hits. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both condemned the attack, emphasizing the right of the Jewish community to worship safely. In response to the event, the Toronto Police Service increased patrols near places of worship.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by CBS News World, Jerusalem Post, Straits Times World, Haaretz.
