Antisemitic attack on Ontario synagogue during Yom Kippur: officer shot multiple times

A gunman shouted an antisemitic threat before shooting a police officer outside a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur. The attacker, a former soldier, died the next day.

Former Canadian soldier opened fire outside Belleville synagogue on Yom Kippur

A gunman shouted "you're going to die for the Jews" moments before opening fire on a police officer stationed outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, according to apnews.com. Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd disclosed the alleged words at a news conference Thursday, publicly identifying a hate motive for the first time.

"Make no mistake, this was a targeted attack against the Jewish community," Rodd said. "The suspect had the means, the motive and the mechanisms to cause a mass casualty."

The attacker, identified as 29-year-old Sean Ward, a former Canadian soldier, opened fire on Const. Jeff Smith during Yom Kippur — the holiest day on the Jewish calendar — on Sunday. Police played audio of the incident at the news conference that they said captured Ward's antisemitic threat before the shooting began.

Smith was shot multiple times in the head and body but exited his vehicle and confronted Ward, remaining engaged for nearly three minutes despite life-threatening injuries. A second officer arrived and joined the gunfight.

Rodd said the two officers were the only barrier preventing Ward from entering the synagogue and carrying out what police believe was a broader attack. Ward had additional weapons and a significant quantity of ammunition at his disposal.

Approximately two dozen people were inside the synagogue at the time. None was injured.

Ward was critically wounded during the confrontation and died the following day. Smith, a 13-year veteran of the Belleville Police Service, faces multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery from gunshot wounds, fractures and shrapnel injuries, Rodd said.

The Department of National Defense confirmed Ward had served as an infantry soldier with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, leaving the Canadian Armed Forces in 2022 at the rank of corporal. He did not deploy during his service.

Investigators are also examining materials found in Ward's vehicle, including extra gasoline, to assess how much damage he may have intended to cause, Rodd said. The province's police watchdog previously reported that as many as 30 shots were fired, with nearby vehicles and homes struck. Synagogue president Norman Weddum confirmed that bullets pierced a window facing the street and hit the opposite wall.

Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, the province's public safety minister, said the attack struck him personally as a Jewish Canadian. He praised the community's response, noting that leaders from a nearby mosque brought flowers to the Sons of Jacob Synagogue to express sorrow and solidarity.

"We will never normalize antisemitism or hate of any kind," Kerzner said.

The attack comes amid heightened concern about antisemitism in Canada.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)