Synagogue shooting in Belleville: officer Jeff Smith and suspect Sean Ward both wounded

A gunman opened fire outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ont., during Yom Kippur services, wounding a police officer and leaving himself in critical condition.

Officer and suspect named after Yom Kippur shooting outside Belleville synagogue

A police officer and a gunman were both wounded in a shooting outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday night, cbc.ca reports. Investigators have identified the officer as Const. Jeff Smith and the suspect as Sean Ward, 29, of neighbouring Quinte West.

Smith, who has been with Belleville Police Service since 2013, was struck while stationed outside the synagogue during Yom Kippur services. He is recovering in an intensive care unit in critical but stable condition. Ward remains in life-threatening condition. SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette said Ward "was very critical and but was sort of brought back to life, so to speak."

Belleville Police Service confirmed both identities Monday at a noon-hour news conference held just outside the taped-off scene, located at the corner of Bleeker and Victoria avenues.

Sequence of events

According to preliminary findings presented by Denette, Ward arrived in a truck carrying a shotgun and discharged his firearm at Smith. Smith returned fire, and a second officer who arrived on scene also discharged their weapon. The SIU has deployed four investigators and two forensic investigators to what Denette described as a "complex" scene.

"There are dozens of bullet holes in the street behind me and some homes have been hit and there are some vehicles with shot out windows," Denette said.

Body-worn camera and in-car footage from the officers involved is being secured. "Until such time as we are able to review that, it's difficult for me to give you a sequence of events," Denette said.

Inside the synagogue

Norm Weddum, president of Sons of Jacob Synagogue, told CBC News that Smith had been stationed outside at the congregation's request — a routine precaution arranged a week in advance for the high-holiday gathering. "We always have police protection," Weddum said.

Yom Kippur services were underway when shots rang out at around 7 p.m. Weddum said he initially heard the gunfire from inside. "It was boom, boom, boom," he said. He moved to the lobby, where the shots became more distinct. "I could say, 'Oh, this is definitely … someone is shooting here.'"

Weddum and others ran back into the auditorium, shut the doors and took cover. "Literally everyone went down," he said. "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."

"Thank God that person was there," Weddum said of the officer who had been parked outside in an unmarked car.

Possible motive

Whether Ward was specifically targeting Sons of Jacob or the city's Jewish community has not been established. Asked about the timing of the attack during Yom Kippur, Denette said: "I'd be speculating, but … I think that common sense would say that probably was the case."

Belleville Deputy Police Chief Sheri Meeks said the department would not be providing further updates on its own parallel investigation while the SIU conducts its review.

Response from authorities

Meeks confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety but said the service is increasing patrols and "maintaining a heightened police presence" throughout the city, including at places of worship.

"Let me be very clear: Antisemitism, hate and violence have no place in our community," Meeks said. "Every person deserves to feel safe when attending a place of worship, gathering with loved ones, or participating in community life."

On Smith's condition, Meeks added: "While he continues to face a significant road to recovery, his condition has stabilized and we remain hopeful and encouraged by his progress." She noted the shooting is a reminder that "every day [officers] leave their homes and loved ones not knowing what they may encounter."

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both issued public statements following the incident. "Jewish people must be able to worship safely," Carney wrote on social media. "Canada's government will do everything in our power to support law enforcement in ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

The shooting occurred months after Carney had publicly warned that Canada was failing its Jewish community amid a rise in antisemitism.

Yom Kippur, one of the most sacred days in the Jewish calendar, began at sundown Sunday. The scene at Sons of Jacob is expected to remain blocked off for several more days as the investigation continues.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)