Gunman Allegedly Shouted Antisemitic Threat Before Opening Fire Outside Belleville Synagogue

A 29-year-old former Canadian soldier, identified as Sean Ward, allegedly shouted 'you're going to die for the Jews' moments before opening fire outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur, police said.

What happened
Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd said officers played audio at a news conference that captured the threat before Ward began firing at Const. Jeff Smith, who was posted outside the synagogue. Police say Ward fired broadly at officers and nearby property; the provincial watchdog reported as many as 30 shots were fired and that vehicles and homes in the area were struck.

Officer response and casualties
Const. Smith, a 13-year veteran of the Belleville Police Service, was shot multiple times in the head and body but exited his vehicle and engaged the attacker. Rodd said Smith remained involved in the confrontation for nearly three minutes despite life-threatening injuries, and a second officer later arrived and joined the exchange of gunfire. Police credit the two officers with preventing Ward from entering the synagogue; about two dozen worshippers were inside marking the start of Yom Kippur and none were injured.

Suspect, injuries and investigation
Ward was critically wounded at the scene and died the following day. Investigators found additional weapons, a substantial amount of ammunition and materials including extra gasoline in Ward's vehicle; officials are examining those items to determine how much additional damage he may have intended to cause. The Department of National Defence confirmed Ward served as an infantry soldier with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and left the Canadian Armed Forces in 2022 at the rank of corporal; he did not deploy during his service.

Community and official response
Chief Rodd called the incident 'a targeted attack against the Jewish community' and said investigators have concluded it was motivated by hate. Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, who said the attack affected him personally as a Jewish Canadian, praised local solidarity — including leaders from a nearby mosque who brought flowers to the synagogue — and vowed that antisemitism will not be normalized.

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

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing as charges are prepared consistent with the evidence of a hate-motivated attack, and Const. Smith faces multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery from gunshot wounds, fractures and shrapnel injuries.