Gunman and Constable Wounded in Yom Kippur Shooting Near Belleville Synagogue; Suspect Identified

Authorities in southern Ontario have identified the man who opened fire near the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville on the evening that marked the start of Yom Kippur. The exchange of gunfire left the 29-year-old suspect and a Belleville police constable wounded; both were hospitalized, with the suspect in life-threatening condition and the officer in serious but stable condition.

What Happened

Kristy Denette of Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said investigators’ preliminary information indicates a man drove a truck to an area near the synagogue shortly after 7 p.m. on Sunday and, armed with a shotgun, opened fire at a constable who was stationed outside the place of worship. The first officer returned fire and a second officer arriving on scene also discharged his weapon. The shooter moved to within about a block of the synagogue before the confrontation.

Injuries and Identities

Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks of the Belleville Police Service identified the suspect as Sean Ward, 29, of nearby Quinte West. The wounded officer was named as Const. Jeff Smith, a nearly 13-year veteran of the Belleville force. Both the suspect and Const. Smith suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were transported to hospital.

"Today, I'm relieved to share that Const. Smith is recovering in the intensive care unit," Deputy Chief Meeks said. "While he continues to face a significant road to recovery, his condition has stabilized and we remain hopeful and encouraged by his progress."

Damage, Scene and Investigation

Denette estimated that between 20 and 30 rounds were discharged during the incident. Nearby residences were struck and parked car windows were shattered; the synagogue itself does not appear to have been hit, though its exact status requires formal confirmation. No congregants inside the building were injured. The synagogue later announced that Yom Kippur day services were canceled.

The SIU is conducting the independent review of the police-involved shooting, while the Belleville Police Service is leading the criminal investigation. Denette cautioned that the crime scene is complex and will take several days to process before streets can be reopened.

Community Response and Wider Context

Deputy Chief Meeks said the Belleville Police Service would increase patrols and maintain a visible presence around places of worship. "Let me be very clear: Hate and violence have no place in our community," she said.

The incident comes amid heightened concern about anti-Jewish hate crimes in Canada following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. Government of Canada figures cited at the briefing show reported hate crimes targeting Jewish people rose 82% from 527 incidents in 2022 to 959 in 2023, then dipped slightly the following year and declined 16% to 788 reported incidents in 2025.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement: "Jewish people must be able to worship safely. To live free, open, proud Jewish lives. 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."

In June, the federal government announced additional measures to protect places of worship and faith institutions, including approximately $53 million through the Canada Community Security Program for synagogues, Jewish day schools, community centres and other faith organizations.