A gunman opened fire outside a synagogue in Ontario on Sunday evening as around 25 Jewish worshippers gathered to begin Yom Kippur services, seriously wounding a police officer and triggering a shootout in which investigators estimate between 20 and 30 shots were fired, The Times of Israel reports
Police have characterised the incident as a suspected hate crime targeting the Jewish community, although investigators have not yet formally established the attacker’s motive. Nobody inside the synagogue was injured.
The shooting took place at approximately 7pm outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, around 110 miles east of Toronto.
At a press conference on Monday, Belleville Deputy Police Chief Sheri Meeks identified the suspected gunman as 29-year-old Sean Ward from the neighbouring city of Quinte West. The injured officer was named as Constable Jeff Smith, a veteran with almost 13 years of service in the Belleville Police Service.
Smith was seriously wounded and was recovering in intensive care. Ward suffered life-threatening injuries during the exchange of gunfire.
According to preliminary evidence released by Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Ward arrived near the synagogue in a truck and opened fire on the police officer stationed outside the building. Smith returned fire before a second officer arrived at the scene and also discharged his weapon.
The scale of the shooting was considerable. SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette estimated that between 20 and 30 rounds were fired, while investigators discovered dozens of bullet holes around the surrounding area.
Homes and vehicles were struck by bullets, including cars whose windows were shot out. Denette said the crime scene extended approximately half a block from the synagogue.
“It would have been quite, quite the scene indeed,” she said.
The timing and location immediately raised concerns that the synagogue and its congregation had been deliberately targeted.
Denette said it would be reasonable to suspect that this was the case, although she emphasised that this remained speculation while the investigation continued.
When a reporter asked whether the shooting could be considered a terrorist attack aimed at the Jewish community, Denette replied that “common sense would say that probably was the case”.
However, she explained that the SIU’s investigation was restricted to examining the exchange of gunfire involving police officers. Belleville police are responsible for investigating the suspect’s motives and the wider circumstances surrounding the attack.
Meeks was more explicit in describing the incident, characterising it as a hate crime directed against the Jewish community.
“We recognize the concern and uncertainty many may be feeling, particularly given that this occurred near the Sons of Jacob synagogue during one of the holiest days in the Jewish faith,” she said.
“Let me be very clear: Antisemitism, hate and violence have no place in our community.”
Meeks added that everyone should be able to attend religious services, spend time with family and participate in community life without fearing violence.
Police subsequently increased patrols throughout Belleville, including around houses of worship.
Worshippers took cover inside synagogue
Sons of Jacob Synagogue president Norman Weddum was helping worshippers enter the sanctuary for the beginning of Yom Kippur services when the shooting started.
A police officer had been stationed outside the Conservative synagogue in an unmarked vehicle as part of security arrangements.
“We had a police officer stationed; he was at the side of the building in the parking lot,” Weddum said. “And because he was in an unmarked vehicle, I believe that’s why the gunman did not see him right away.”
The congregation then heard the first shots.
“We heard the first shots. It was boom, boom, boom,” Weddum recalled. “I could say, ‘Oh, this is definitely … someone is shooting here.’”
Realising the danger, Weddum directed everyone away from view and into the synagogue auditorium.
“We ran back into the auditorium of the synagogue, closed the doors behind us so as to not leave a visible target, and we hit the floor,” he said.
“Literally everyone went down. I yelled for everyone to get on to the floor and the shots continued for a few more seconds, and then it was basically over.”
Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis said approximately 25 people were inside the synagogue at the time.
Although police have not yet formally announced what motivated the gunman, Weddum said he had little doubt that the synagogue and its worshippers were the intended target.
“He was coming down the street with some type of a firearm, and he was headed toward the synagogue where Jewish people were having service,” Weddum said. “So, I think his intentions were pretty clear.”
The synagogue later confirmed that nobody inside had been injured but announced that all remaining Yom Kippur services would be cancelled.
Canadian leaders condemn shooting
The attack prompted condemnation from political leaders across Canada.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “disgusted” by the shooting, particularly because it occurred as members of the Jewish community gathered to observe Yom Kippur.
“I’m disgusted by the shooting that took place outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville earlier this evening as Jewish community members gathered to mark Yom Kippur,” Ford said.
He stressed that Jewish Canadians “have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear” and also expressed support for the wounded police officer and his family.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney similarly emphasised the significance of the timing.
“Last night, on the holiest night of the Jewish calendar, a shooting took place outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville,” he said.
“Jewish people must be able to worship safely. To live free, open, proud Jewish lives.”
Carney said the federal government would provide law enforcement with the support necessary to ensure that the person responsible was held fully accountable.
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow were also among the Canadian political figures who publicly condemned the incident.
Police elsewhere in Ontario responded by strengthening security around Jewish institutions. York Regional Police said there was no known specific threat in its area but warned residents that they would see increased patrols around places of worship.
Attack follows surge in antisemitic incidents
The shooting comes amid continuing concern about antisemitism and threats against Jewish institutions throughout Canada.
Carney has previously warned that Canada is failing its Jewish community as antisemitic incidents have increased. He has cited attacks including gunfire directed at Jewish schools, synagogue firebombings and attacks against Jewish community centres and Jewish-owned businesses.
The Canadian government has announced millions of dollars in additional funding to help faith-based institutions strengthen security through infrastructure improvements, training and security personnel.
Synagogues in the Toronto area have themselves previously been targeted by gunfire.
In March, shots were fired at synagogue entrances in Vaughan and Toronto, causing damage but no injuries. Police later arrested three suspects in connection with those incidents.
The Belleville attack is particularly serious because of its timing and circumstances. A gunman allegedly approached a synagogue while Jews were gathered inside for the beginning of Yom Kippur, exchanged dozens of shots with police and seriously wounded an officer stationed there to protect the congregation.
While investigators continue working to establish the precise motive, the attack has reinforced concerns over why Jewish institutions increasingly require substantial police and security protection simply to allow worshippers to practise their religion safely.
Photo credit: Screenshot/CBC
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