“When an individual with a firearm approaches a synagogue where Jews are praying, I would call that a hate crime”
minute read
A gunman armed with a shotgun opened fire on a police officer guarding an Ontario synagogue as roughly 25 Jews gathered inside for Yom Kippur services, setting off a firefight that sent bullets through the house of worship and left the officer critically wounded. Authorities identified the alleged gunman as 29-year-old Sean Ward of Quinte West.
Investigators said Ward arrived near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, at approximately 7 pm Sunday, exited a truck with a shotgun and fired at an officer stationed outside the building.
The officer, identified as Const. Jeff Smith, returned fire before another officer arrived and also discharged his weapon. Smith, a 13-year veteran of the Belleville Police Service and member of its emergency response unit, suffered serious gunshot wounds and remained in critical but stable condition Monday.
Ward was also shot and hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which investigates incidents involving police that result in serious injury or death, has assigned four investigators and two forensic investigators to the case.
The shooting erupted as approximately 25 worshippers were preparing to begin Yom Kippur services, according to local reports. The congregation had arranged for a paid-duty officer to provide security because of concerns about protecting worshippers during the Jewish High Holidays.
Synagogue president Norman Weddum said the officer was stationed outside in an unmarked vehicle.
Weddum said congregants heard the first shots as they were preparing for services. Several initially moved toward the lobby before another burst of gunfire sent them retreating deeper into the synagogue. “So we immediately ran back into the auditorium – which is off the sanctuary – and I closed the doors behind us because I didn’t want to leave any visible target that anyone could see, and I screamed out ‘everyone get on the floor’, which is what we did,” Weddum told CityNews.
Bullets then struck the synagogue itself.
Weddum said one of the building's windows was left with approximately 20 bullet holes. Images posted online by former Canadian Member of Parliament Ryan Williams appeared to show bullet damage to the synagogue's stained-glass windows.
Investigators estimated that between 20 and 30 shots were fired during the confrontation. Nearby homes and vehicles were also struck, while shell casings were scattered across a large crime scene. No congregants were physically injured.
One worshipper who sheltered inside credited Smith with preventing the attack from becoming far worse. “[The injured officer] is definitely a hero. He saved our lives last night,” the congregant told CityNews. “I don’t think there’s any words that can relay our gratitude for what this officer did.”
Weddum said he believes the circumstances make the gunman's intentions clear. “When an individual with a firearm approaches a synagogue where Jews are praying, I would call that a hate crime,” he told CityNews.
Authorities have not formally determined Ward's motive or announced that the synagogue was deliberately targeted. However, when SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette was asked whether the shooting appeared premeditated and could potentially constitute terrorism targeting the Jewish community, she said, “common sense would say that probably is the case.”
Belleville Deputy Police Chief Sheri Meeks condemned antisemitism while announcing Smith's identity. “We recognize the concern and uncertainty many may be feeling, particularly given that this occurred near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue during one of the holiest days in the Jewish faith,” Meeks said.
“Let me be very clear: antisemitism, hate, and violence have no place in our community. Every person deserves to feel safe when attending a place of worship, gathering with loved ones, or participating in community life.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “disgusted” that the violence unfolded as Jews gathered for Yom Kippur and praised the officer who responded. “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.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Jewish Canadians must be able to worship without fear. “Jewish people must be able to worship safely. To live free, open, proud Jewish lives,” Carney said, adding that the Canadian government would support law enforcement efforts to hold the perpetrator accountable.
The shooting comes amid heightened concerns about antisemitic violence targeting Jewish institutions in Canada. Earlier this year, Carney acknowledged shootings targeting Jewish schools, firebombings of synagogues and attacks against Jewish community centers and businesses while announcing additional federal security funding for places of worship.
The concerns were underscored elsewhere in Ontario during Yom Kippur. Toronto journalist Neil Herland, who is Jewish, said that pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to taunt and intimidate him as he entered a synagogue for services in Toronto. Herland, whose father was an Austrian Jew who survived the Holocaust in Romania before coming to Canada as a refugee, said he recently obtained an Austrian passport because he fears Canada could become unsafe for Jews.
“Jewish Canadians are living in a parallel world,” Herland wrote. “Where police stand guard with guns outside synagogues. And Jewish schools, religious sites and businesses are targeted with bullets. And most Canadians have no awareness or understanding.”
Investigators said Ward arrived near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, at approximately 7 pm Sunday, exited a truck with a shotgun and fired at an officer stationed outside the building.
The officer, identified as Const. Jeff Smith, returned fire before another officer arrived and also discharged his weapon. Smith, a 13-year veteran of the Belleville Police Service and member of its emergency response unit, suffered serious gunshot wounds and remained in critical but stable condition Monday.
Ward was also shot and hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which investigates incidents involving police that result in serious injury or death, has assigned four investigators and two forensic investigators to the case.
The shooting erupted as approximately 25 worshippers were preparing to begin Yom Kippur services, according to local reports. The congregation had arranged for a paid-duty officer to provide security because of concerns about protecting worshippers during the Jewish High Holidays.
Synagogue president Norman Weddum said the officer was stationed outside in an unmarked vehicle.
Weddum said congregants heard the first shots as they were preparing for services. Several initially moved toward the lobby before another burst of gunfire sent them retreating deeper into the synagogue. “So we immediately ran back into the auditorium – which is off the sanctuary – and I closed the doors behind us because I didn’t want to leave any visible target that anyone could see, and I screamed out ‘everyone get on the floor’, which is what we did,” Weddum told CityNews.
Bullets then struck the synagogue itself.
Weddum said one of the building's windows was left with approximately 20 bullet holes. Images posted online by former Canadian Member of Parliament Ryan Williams appeared to show bullet damage to the synagogue's stained-glass windows.
Investigators estimated that between 20 and 30 shots were fired during the confrontation. Nearby homes and vehicles were also struck, while shell casings were scattered across a large crime scene. No congregants were physically injured.
One worshipper who sheltered inside credited Smith with preventing the attack from becoming far worse. “[The injured officer] is definitely a hero. He saved our lives last night,” the congregant told CityNews. “I don’t think there’s any words that can relay our gratitude for what this officer did.”
Weddum said he believes the circumstances make the gunman's intentions clear. “When an individual with a firearm approaches a synagogue where Jews are praying, I would call that a hate crime,” he told CityNews.
Authorities have not formally determined Ward's motive or announced that the synagogue was deliberately targeted. However, when SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette was asked whether the shooting appeared premeditated and could potentially constitute terrorism targeting the Jewish community, she said, “common sense would say that probably is the case.”
Belleville Deputy Police Chief Sheri Meeks condemned antisemitism while announcing Smith's identity. “We recognize the concern and uncertainty many may be feeling, particularly given that this occurred near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue during one of the holiest days in the Jewish faith,” Meeks said.
“Let me be very clear: antisemitism, hate, and violence have no place in our community. Every person deserves to feel safe when attending a place of worship, gathering with loved ones, or participating in community life.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “disgusted” that the violence unfolded as Jews gathered for Yom Kippur and praised the officer who responded. “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.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Jewish Canadians must be able to worship without fear. “Jewish people must be able to worship safely. To live free, open, proud Jewish lives,” Carney said, adding that the Canadian government would support law enforcement efforts to hold the perpetrator accountable.
The shooting comes amid heightened concerns about antisemitic violence targeting Jewish institutions in Canada. Earlier this year, Carney acknowledged shootings targeting Jewish schools, firebombings of synagogues and attacks against Jewish community centers and businesses while announcing additional federal security funding for places of worship.
The concerns were underscored elsewhere in Ontario during Yom Kippur. Toronto journalist Neil Herland, who is Jewish, said that pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to taunt and intimidate him as he entered a synagogue for services in Toronto. Herland, whose father was an Austrian Jew who survived the Holocaust in Romania before coming to Canada as a refugee, said he recently obtained an Austrian passport because he fears Canada could become unsafe for Jews.
“Jewish Canadians are living in a parallel world,” Herland wrote. “Where police stand guard with guns outside synagogues. And Jewish schools, religious sites and businesses are targeted with bullets. And most Canadians have no awareness or understanding.”
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