Man Critically Injured, Officer Wounded in Shooting Near Ontario Synagogue

Authorities reported that a police officer and a man were wounded in an exchange of gunfire near a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday evening as members of the Jewish community observed Yom Kippur. The man sustained life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized.

The incident occurred near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue around 7:10 p.m., according to the province’s Special Investigations Unit. Belleville police stated that an officer encountered the man, and both were subsequently transported to a hospital.

Officials have not yet disclosed the circumstances that led to the shooting or whether the synagogue or the Jewish community was specifically targeted. Police assured the public that there was no ongoing risk and urged people to avoid the area while investigators were on the scene.

The Special Investigations Unit, a civilian agency tasked with investigating serious incidents involving police, confirmed it has dispatched investigators to the location.

Belleville police indicated they would refrain from providing further details during the active investigation.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed dismay over the shooting, which he noted took place as Jewish community members were gathering for Yom Kippur services. "I’m disgusted by the shooting that took place outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville earlier this evening as Jewish community members gathered to mark Yom Kippur," Ford stated on social media. He emphasized that Jewish individuals "have every right to gather and worship safely and without fear" and called for the perpetrators to be apprehended and prosecuted.

Ford also extended his thoughts to the wounded police officer, their family, and loved ones.

York Regional Police advised that while there was no known threat in their region, residents might observe increased patrols at places of worship.

This shooting follows Prime Minister Mark Carney's earlier warnings about Canada's perceived failure to adequately protect its Jewish community amidst a rise in antisemitic incidents. Carney had previously cited instances such as shootings at Jewish schools, firebombings of synagogues, and attacks on community centers and businesses owned by Jewish individuals. In response, the government had announced substantial funding to enhance security measures at faith-based institutions, including training and personnel.

Synagogues in the Toronto area have experienced similar incidents; in March, shots were fired at the entrances of synagogues in Vaughan and Toronto, though no injuries were reported. Authorities later arrested three suspects in connection with those shootings.