Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Two Critically Injured After Shooting Near Ontario Synagogue
A shooting happened outside a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur, an important Jewish holiday.
Police said a man arrived in a truck and shot at an officer.
The officer and another officer returned fire.
The shooter and one police officer were badly hurt.
About two dozen people inside the synagogue were not injured.
A person inside said the shooting lasted two or three minutes.
Police have not yet determined why the shooting happened.
They also have not confirmed whether it was aimed at the synagogue or Jewish people.
Extra police patrols were placed around places of worship, but officials said there was no continuing danger to the public.
A 29-year-old man allegedly opened fire on police outside Belleville’s Sons of Jacob Synagogue during Yom Kippur.
The alleged shooter and Const. Jeff Smith were both critically injured in the exchange of gunfire.
About two dozen people inside the synagogue were unharmed, and the remaining Yom Kippur services were canceled.
Police have not established a motive or confirmed whether the synagogue or Jewish community was targeted.
The Special Investigations Unit is examining police actions while Belleville police investigate the shooting and possible motive.
- Who
- A 29-year-old man identified by police as Sean Ward and Belleville Police Service Const. Jeff Smith were critically injured; another officer also exchanged gunfire.
- What
- A shooting and police exchange of gunfire occurred outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue.
- When
- Around 7 p.m. Sunday, during Yom Kippur; the police watchdog reported preliminary findings Monday.
- Where
- Near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, about 110 miles east of Toronto.
- Why
- The motive has not been established, and police have not confirmed whether the synagogue or Jewish community was targeted.
No Confirmed Hate-Crime Finding
Concern About Possible Antisemitic Targeting
Motive and target
No Confirmed Hate-Crime Finding
Police said they have not established a motive or determined whether the synagogue or Jewish community was targeted.
Concern About Possible Antisemitic Targeting
Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis said the location and timing during Yom Kippur pointed toward a possible hate crime, while stressing it was too soon to make a determination.
Community response
No Confirmed Hate-Crime Finding
Officials are treating the event as an ongoing criminal investigation without publicly confirming an antisemitic motive.
Concern About Possible Antisemitic Targeting
Police Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks and Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that Jewish people should be able to worship safely and condemned antisemitism, hate and violence.
- Location
- Belleville, Ontario
- Synagogue
- Sons of Jacob Synagogue
- Injured
- The alleged shooter and Const. Jeff Smith
- Police service
- Belleville Police Service
- Investigation
- The Special Investigations Unit is reviewing police actions; Belleville police are investigating the shooting and possible motive.
- People inside
- About two dozen people were inside the synagogue and none were injured.
- Public safety
- Police increased patrols around places of worship and said there was no ongoing threat.