Ex-Canadian soldier opens fire at synagogue on Yom Kippur, wounds cop in possible antisemitic attack: officials
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- Sean Ward, a 29-year-old ex-Canadian soldier, opened fire outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur services, injuring a police officer before being fatally shot by responding officers.
- Constable Jeff Smith, who was working security outside the synagogue, was critically injured but remained stable; no congregants were harmed despite bullets hitting nearby homes, vehicles, and synagogue windows.
- The timing of the attack on the Jewish Day of Atonement suggests a possible antisemitic motive, though investigators have not confirmed the exact target or motive.
- The synagogue had requested extra security for the Jewish High Holidays, and police have increased their presence in Belleville to ensure community safety.
- Officials, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, condemned the attack, emphasizing that antisemitism and violence have no place in the community.
