Man dies after shooting at Belleville synagogue during Yom Kippur services

Sean Ward, 29, from Quinte West, Ontario, died Monday night in hospital after shooting at a police officer outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur services on Sunday.

Ward fired a shotgun at Constable Jeff Smith, a 13-year veteran of Belleville police who was stationed in an unmarked car parked outside the synagogue at the synagogue's request. Between 25 and 30 shots were fired. Bullets struck police vehicles, civilian vehicles, nearby homes, and synagogue windows. Smith was upgraded from critical to stable condition and remains hospitalized.

A second police officer also discharged a firearm during the incident. Ward was transported to hospital without vital signs and was listed in life-threatening condition before his death.

Belleville police Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks said increased patrols and heightened police presence will occur throughout Belleville, including around places of worship. "Our officers will continue to proactively assess community safety needs and maintain a visible presence throughout our community," Meeks said Monday.

The synagogue's president has called the shooting a hate crime. SIU (Special Investigations Unit) spokesperson Kristy Denette said it would be "common sense" to assume the incident was hate-motivated, but neither Belleville police nor the SIU have officially confirmed the motive. A post-mortem was scheduled for Wednesday, and the SIU will investigate.

Ward joined the Canadian Armed Forces in July 2017 and served as an infantry soldier with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry before being released as a corporal in June 2022. Details on how Ward obtained the shotgun have not been released.