Overview
- On Sunday night a 29-year-old man arrived by truck outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, opened fire at an officer, and an exchange of roughly 20 to 30 rounds left the suspect and Const. Jeff Smith wounded; the suspect later died in hospital and Smith remains in serious but stable condition.
- The Ontario Special Investigations Unit has launched a mandatory criminal probe of the officers’ conduct and is securing bodycam, vehicle and surveillance footage, while the Belleville Police Service is running a separate investigation into the suspect’s actions and possible motive.
- About two dozen worshippers were inside for Yom Kippur but no congregants were hurt; the synagogue and nearby homes and vehicles show dozens of bullet holes and the congregation canceled services.
- Federal and provincial leaders condemned the attack and police forces have increased visible patrols and security at synagogues and other places of worship to reassure communities and look for any related threats.
- The shooting has intensified concern over a rise in antisemitic incidents in Canada this year; authorities note the suspect formerly served in the Canadian Armed Forces and the new federal hate-crimes law and targeted security funding for faith groups are part of the wider response.