A police officer was shot outside a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday night as Jewish community members gathered to observe Yom Kippur, according to Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
The incident occurred near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, a city located approximately 110 miles east of Toronto. Belleville Police reported that the officer encountered an individual in the area of Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue around 7 p.m. Both the officer and the individual were injured and transported to a hospital, though specific details regarding their conditions were not immediately released.
Premier Ford issued a statement expressing disgust at the shooting and vowing that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. He also extended his thoughts to the Jewish community in Belleville and across the province, affirming their right to worship safely.
“My thoughts are also with the police officer who was shot, along with their family and loved ones. We owe an immense debt of gratitude to this brave officer and to all the first responders who acted so quickly to keep the community safe,” Ford said.
The Ontario Special Investigations Unit, the province’s civilian police watchdog, has launched an investigation into the shooting.
Please pray for the officer’s recovery. It is heartbreaking that anyone would target people just trying to observe their faith peacefully.
The Premier’s response feels a bit performative. I want to know concrete steps being taken to protect synagogues right now.
Is anyone else confused? The headline says officer shot, but article says both injured. What exactly happened there?
Absolutely terrifying that this happened on such a holy day. My heart goes out to the officer and the community.