Man and police officer wounded in exchange of gunfire near Ontario synagogue
Sean Ward, a 29-year-old from Quinte West, died Tuesday from injuries sustained during a shootout outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario. Ward opened fire on Constable Jeff Smith, who was stationed outside the building to protect worshippers observing Yom Kippur. Up to 30 shots were fired during the exchange. While Smith was wounded and initially reported in critical condition, Ward was critically injured and later died in the hospital. Canadian officials have condemned the attack and expressed support for the Jewish community.
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- ✓ A shooting occurred outside a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur.
- ✓ The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Sean Ward of Quinte West.
- ✓ Constable Jeff Smith was the officer stationed outside the synagogue who engaged in the gunfire exchange.
- ✓ Sean Ward died from his injuries on Tuesday.
What changed
The suspect, identified as Sean Ward, has died from his injuries.
Live updates
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Suspect dies after gunfight outside Belleville synagogue on Yom Kippur
Sean Ward, a 29-year-old from Quinte West, died Tuesday from injuries sustained during a shootout outside the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario. Ward opened fire on Constable Jeff Smith, who was stationed outside the building to protect worshippers observing Yom Kippur. Up to 30 shots were fired during the exchange. While Smith was wounded and initially reported in critical condition, Ward was critically injured and later died in the hospital. Canadian officials have condemned the attack and expressed support for the Jewish community.
Why it matters
The shooting occurred during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. The presence of a police officer at the synagogue indicates a pre-existing security posture for the congregation.
What is confirmed
- A shooting occurred outside a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur.
- The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Sean Ward of Quinte West.
- Constable Jeff Smith was the officer stationed outside the synagogue who engaged in the gunfire exchange.
- Sean Ward died from his injuries on Tuesday.
- Up to 30 shots were fired during the incident.
Still unconfirmed
- The officer who fired back was in critical condition.
- The shooting may have involved as many as 30 shots.
What to watch next
- Findings from the province police watchdog investigation into the shooting.
- Police confirmation on whether the Jewish community was specifically targeted.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (15)
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Police officer shot outside synagogue in Ontario on Yom Kippur: Officials
- CBC — 'We hit the floor': Belleville, Ont., synagogue leader recounts shooting that left police officer, man injured
- The Guardian — Man and police officer wounded in exchange of gunfire near Ontario synagogue
- The Times of Israel — Gunman opens fire outside Ontario synagogue on Yom Kippur; officer who fired back in critical condition
- CTV News — Suspect involved in shooting outside Belleville, Ont., synagogue identified
- The Jerusalem Post — Canada’s Jews shouldn’t need a fundraising campaign to pray safely - comment
- CTV News — Belleville, Ont., synagogue members describe terror as gunfire erupted outside. LIVE updates here.
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — Up to 30 shots fired after man opened fire on officer outside Ontario synagogue
- Newser — Gunman Opens Fire Outside Synagogue, Starting Shootout
- www.cbsnews.com — Shooting near Ontario synagogue on Yom Kippur leaves police officer wounded, man critically injured
- religionnews.com — Man critically injured, police officer wounded in gunfire near Ontario synagogue on Yom Kippur
- www.thespec.com — Police constable protecting Yom Kippur worshippers shot in Belleville gunfight
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