Belleville police officer shot outside synagogue during Yom Kippur

Police have not named a motive; SIU probes officer’s return fire

A police officer is in critical but stable condition and a suspected gunman is in life-threatening condition after a shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur, the holiest night in the Jewish calendar.

The shooting occurred around 19:00 local time on Sunday night, according to Kristy Denette, spokesperson for Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit, who spoke on Monday. A suspect armed with a shotgun opened fire on an officer stationed outside the building, Denette said. The officer returned fire, and a second officer also discharged their firearm, she said. Around 20 to 30 shots were fired.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X that “Jewish people must be able to worship safely” and “To live free, open, proud Jewish lives.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he is “disgusted” by the shooting and that members of the Jewish community “have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear.” Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre wrote on social media that “this vile antisemitic violence in Canada must end” while urging Carney’s government to “act now to protect our people.”

Police have not provided a motive and have not said whether the synagogue was targeted. Asked whether investigators were treating the incident as a terrorist attack, Denette said “common sense would say that probably was the case.” “It would have been quite, quite the scene indeed,” she added.

The Special Investigations Unit, a civilian oversight body that investigates officer-involved shootings in Ontario, is reviewing the officer’s use of force. The Belleville Police Service is separately investigating the shooting. Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks said the department has increased patrols and would maintain a heightened presence around the city, including near places of worship.

Toronto police, whose jurisdiction is about 187 kilometers (116 miles) from Belleville, also increased patrols outside synagogues and other places of worship out of an abundance of caution.