Belleville synagogue shooting suspect, a former Canadian soldier, dies in hospital

Former Canadian Armed Forces member Sean Ward, the 29-year-old Ontario suspect in a shooting incident outside a Belleville synagogue on Sunday evening, has died in hospital, according to the province’s Special Investigations Unit.

Police have said little about the Quinte West man accused of exchanging gunfire with and shooting active-duty Belleville Police Service officer Const. Jeff Smith stationed outside the place of worship as congregants inside began a service to mark Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Ward was hit with multiple bullets and reportedly needed to be resuscitated on the scene, Ontario Special Investigations Unit spokesperson Kristy Denette said in a Monday news conference. At that time, he was listed in life-threatening condition at Kingston General Hospital, where a post-mortem is scheduled for Wednesday.

National Post also confirmed Tuesday that Ward is a former member of the CAF.

A CAF spokesperson said its records show a Sean Ward who “matches the description provided” joined the forces in July 2017 and was “released in June 2022 at the rank of corporal.”

“He served as an infantry soldier with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and did not deploy during his service,” they told National Post in an email.

“We remain ready to provide assistance to the investigation if required.”

The Patricia’s is based in Edmonton.

A photo of Ward in Canadian military fatigues that is circulating online was shared by his father, Doug Ward, in 2017.

“Follow your dream son love you,” he wrote, replying in the comments that his son was stationed in Alberta.

National Post has contacted Doug for comment.

At last report, the injured officer, Const. Smith, is in stable condition at the same facility where Ward was treated. A GoFundMe benefiting the 13-year member of the Belleville police has raised more than $90,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.

After arriving in a pickup truck and armed with a shotgun just after 7 p.m., Ward opened fire at Smith, who was parked in an unmarked police vehicle, according to Denette, based on preliminary evidence. Smith returned fire and was joined by another responding officer who also returned fire.

Denette said Ward suffered “multiple strikes from the officer.”

Police were at the Quinte West home where he lived with his mother on Monday, according to CBC.

Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our newsletters here.