Police confirmed at a press conference that the shooting at the Belleville Synagogue on Sunday, was pre-meditated and targeted towards the Jewish community.
Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd revealed that Constable Jeff Smith was assigned to the Sons of Jacob Synagogue on Sunday. The suspected shooter, Sean Ward of Quinte West, ambushed Smith on a second pass and the shooting began.
Constable Smith was in his vehicle when he was shot. He was able to exit the vehicle, and engage with Ward.
A short video of the incident was released to the media in which Ward was speaking.
Constable Smith was engaged with Ward for close to three-minutes before the second officer, Constable Mike McCurdy arrived to assist.
Constable Smith faces a long road to recovery, with multiple surgeries. Constable McCurdy was not injured. Both are being hailed heroes as Belleville Police note that Ward had additional weapons with the intent to cause a mass-casualty incident.
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