Belleville synagogue shooting was hate-motivated, police say

Wounded officer held off attacker for almost three minutes before backup arrived

The shooting took place on Sunday night outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue during Yom Kippur, the holiest night in the Jewish calendar. Around 20 to 30 shots were fired in the incident, according to Rodd, leaving the suspect in life-threatening condition and Constable Smith in critical but stable condition.

Constable Jeff Smith, who responded to the scene, suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head and body. Smith was shot in his car but exited his vehicle and engaged the attacker despite his injuries, Rodd said at a Thursday news conference. “Despite suffering life-threatening injuries, within moments of encountering the armed suspect, Constable Smith exited his vehicle and engaged the attacker,” the police chief said.

Smith continued to fend off the gunman until a second officer arrived almost three minutes later. Constable Mike McCurdy “joined the active gunfight, helping to bring the violent attack to an end,” Rodd said. McCurdy was not injured. Both officers discharged their firearms during the encounter, authorities said earlier this week.

Smith remains in hospital and is expected to undergo multiple surgeries related to “serious head trauma,” Rodd said. The chief said Smith is making progress.

Police identified the gunman as 29-year-old Sean Ward of Quinte West, a community near Belleville located about 170 kilometers (105 miles) east of Toronto. Ward was transported to hospital with serious injuries and later died.

Following the attack, Toronto police increased patrols outside synagogues and places of worship out of an abundance of caution.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the antisemitic violence earlier this week, writing on X that “Jewish people must be able to worship safely. To live free, open, proud Jewish lives.” Carney’s statement joined condemnation from Jewish community leaders and other Canadian politicians.

Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said in a statement on Thursday that “if not for the extraordinary bravery of Constable Jeff Smith, Canadians would have experienced the type of mass-casualty terror attack our security services have warned is a realistic possibility.” Shack called on Canadian leaders to “take urgent and concrete actions” against threats toward the Jewish community.