Ontario Premier Doug Ford has joined a growing list of officials, sharing their support for the Jewish community.
Residents in the east-end reported hearing gunfire on Sunday just after 7 p.m.
Belleville Police have confirmed in a statement that an officer encountered an individual in the area of Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue. The officer and the individual sustained injuries and were transported to hospital. Belleville Police add that there is no risk to public safety.
The Sons of Jacob Synagogue has confirmed on social media that the shooting took place outside of their building. They add that no one inside was injured. A service was taking place inside for Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Leaders were starting to usher people in when they head the first shots.
Bullet holes have been reported in the stain glass windows of the synagogue.
The province’s police watchdog, the SIU, has taken over the the investigation. The SIU has confirmed in a statement this morning that gunfire was exchanged between a police officer and 29-year-old man with a shotgun. Both were taken to hospital. The police officer is in critical stable condition, while the man is in life-threatening condition. Anyone with information is asked to come forward. and contact the SIU – 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php.
Belleville Police held a press conference later in the day and confirmed that the suspect is Sean Ward from Quinte West. The Belleville Police officer, Constable Jeff Smith, suffered serious injuries and faces a “significant road to recovery.”
Belleville Police Deputy Chief Sherri Meeks shared in the press conference that they have heightened patrols around the city, including places of worship. Police add there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette, Hastings County staff, Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis, and Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander have posted messages, expressing that their thoughts are with the Jewish community, the City, and condemning the violence that took place.
Prime Minister Carney has posted on social media that “Jewish people must be able to worship safely.” Adding that “the government will do everything in its power to support law enforcement in ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable to the fullest extend of the law.”
Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp says he is heartbroken to hear about the shooting. He says that he has been at the synagogue on several occasions and grew up in the neighbourhood – adding that this senseless act of violence is unimaginable.
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