Police Officer Wounded in Gunfire Near Ontario Synagogue on Yom Kippur

An exchange of gunfire near a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, left a police officer and a 29-year-old man wounded on Sunday evening, coinciding with the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. Authorities have identified the suspect as Sean Ward of Quincy West, who remains in critical condition at a hospital.

The incident occurred around 7:10 p.m. near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, located approximately 110 miles east of Toronto. According to the Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU), a police officer stationed outside the facility encountered Ward, leading to a shoot-out. A second officer arrived and also discharged their weapon. SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette estimated that between 20 and 30 rounds were fired, with some stray bullets striking nearby homes and vehicles.

Denette indicated that investigators believe Ward arrived in the area by truck and opened fire on the officer. When asked if the shooting was premeditated and potentially an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community, Denette stated, “Common sense would say that probably is the case.” However, police have not officially confirmed whether the synagogue itself was the intended target or if the attack was premeditated.

Norman Weddum, president of the synagogue, told CBC News Network that he was ushering congregants into the sanctuary when the gunfire broke out. “I could say, ‘Oh, this is definitely someone … shooting here,'” Weddum recalled. “So that’s when 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.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the violence in a social media post, stating he was “disgusted by the shooting” and affirming that Jewish people have the right to worship safely. He also expressed sympathy for the injured officer and their family. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow similarly denounced the attack, noting that Jewish residents should not require police protection to observe their holidays or live their daily lives.

Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement Monday emphasizing that Jewish people must be able to worship safely and live proudly. “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,” Carney said. He also extended his thoughts to the injured officer and the broader Jewish community.

The SIU, a civilian oversight agency, dispatched investigators to the scene. Belleville police have urged the public to avoid the area while the probe continues but confirmed there is no ongoing risk to public safety. York Regional Police announced that while no specific threat has been identified in the region, residents can expect increased patrols at places of worship.

This incident follows a rise in antisemitic violence across North America. Earlier this year, shots were fired at synagogues in Vaughan and Toronto, damaging entrances but causing no injuries; three suspects were subsequently arrested. In Michigan, Temple Israel reopened for the High Holidays six months after a man drove a truck packed with fireworks and gasoline into the building in what the FBI designated a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

Carney has previously warned that Canada is failing its Jewish community, citing a surge in antisemitism that includes shootings at schools, firebombings of synagogues, and attacks on community centers. In response, his government has announced millions in additional funding to help faith-based institutions improve security infrastructure and personnel.