A man identified as Sean Ward of Quinte West, age 29, died Monday night from injuries sustained during a shooting outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, according to Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit, an independent civilian agency that investigates police shootings.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening as the synagogue prepared to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. According to the Special Investigations Unit, an armed individual opened fire on police officer Jeff Smith, who was stationed outside the building. An exchange of gunfire followed, leaving both the suspect and the officer seriously injured. Approximately two dozen people were gathered inside the synagogue at the time, though none sustained injuries.
Ward had served in the Canadian Armed Forces beginning in 2017 as an infantry soldier, achieving the rank of corporal before his departure in 2022. He did not deploy during his tenure. The Department of National Defense confirmed these details regarding his military history.
Synagogue President Norman Weddum described the moment he heard gunfire, stating he instructed attendees to take cover. Bullets subsequently penetrated a window facing the street and struck an interior wall. Weddum credited the police officer’s presence and response with preventing casualties among those gathered inside.
Investigations into the shooting remain ongoing. The Special Investigations Unit is examining the actions of police officers involved, while Belleville police are conducting a separate criminal investigation focused on the suspect’s actions and potential motive. Authorities have not yet determined whether the synagogue or the broader Jewish community was specifically targeted. Prime Minister Mark Carney, attending the U.N. General Assembly, praised officer Smith’s response but declined to comment on questions regarding the suspect’s military background.
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