Man wielding shotgun opened fire at officer outside Belleville synagogue: SIU

A shootout near a synagogue in Belleville, Ont., Sunday evening began when a man wielding a shotgun opened fire at an officer stationed outside it, Ontario’s police watchdog says.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said Monday the incident unfolded around 7 p.m. near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue at Victoria and Bleecker avenues. The shooting occurred during a gathering to mark Yom Kippur.

“That officer returned fire, and then there was another officer who also discharged their firearm,” Kristy Denette, spokesperson for the SIU, told reporters at the scene.

“The initial officer and the man were both struck by gunfire. The officer is in critical but stable condition in hospital, and the man is in life-threatening condition.”

Several homes and vehicles were damaged in the shootout, and no other injuries were reported.

Melissa Walker said she was doing yard work when gunfire erupted.

“I was finishing up and I heard a few pops. At first I thought it was fireworks, which is kind of strange, but it kept going,” she said.

“I stopped what I was doing and went out to the sidewalk and went closer. I saw the suspect behind one of the cars … and then I went back to the house, grabbed my phone, dialed 911 and that’s when I saw he got shot.”

Sherri Meeks, deputy chief of the Belville Police Service, identified the suspect as 29-year-old Quinte West resident Sean Ward. The officer was identified as Const. Jeff Smith, a 13-year veteran of the service.

It wasn’t immediately clear what led to the shooting or if charges have been laid.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the shooting.

“We stand against all forms of violence, all forms of hate, and may this House continue to come together to support the Jewish community in Canada and all Canadians to live their full lives,” he said during question period.

In a statement on social media, he said the 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.”

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre called Smith a “courageous constable” for his actions outside the synagogue.

“The Jewish people deserve to live in peace and freedom as they express their faith,” he added.

Premier Doug Ford said in a post on X he expects “that all those responsible are arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis said he was “disturbed” by what unfolded.

“Violence of this nature has no place in our community. The City of Belleville has zero tolerance for acts of violence motivated by hate. Everyone has the right to feel safe in our community, including when gathering and practising their faith,” Ellis said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with Belleville’s Jewish community and all those impacted by tonight’s incident. Our thoughts are also with the injured officer, and we are praying for their recovery. We extend our heartfelt support to their family, colleagues and the entire Belleville Police Service during this difficult time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.