A police officer was critically wounded in a shooting near a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur, after authorities said a 29-year-old man armed with a shotgun exchanged gunfire with police.

The incident happened at about 7 p.m. Sunday near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, where members of the Jewish community had gathered for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Belleville Police Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks identified the alleged shooter as Sean Ward, 29, of Quinte West. Ward was hospitalized in life-threatening condition, while the injured officer, identified as Constable Jeff Smith, was also critically wounded.

Police said there was no ongoing threat to public safety following the shooting. Authorities have nevertheless increased patrols and maintained a heightened police presence around places of worship in Belleville.

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit, which investigates police-involved shootings and other serious incidents involving officers, is examining the police response. Spokesperson Kristy Denette said investigators were collecting body-camera footage and other evidence.

Preliminary information indicated that the man arrived in a truck and fired a shotgun at an officer. The officer returned fire, and a second officer also discharged a weapon after arriving at the scene.

When asked whether the incident could be considered a terrorist attack, Denette said determining the motive was outside the SIU’s specific mandate. A separate criminal investigation by Belleville Police is examining the shooter’s actions, motive and potential charges.

Synagogue president Norm Weddum said the officer had been hired to protect the congregation during Yom Kippur. Weddum said the officer’s actions prevented people inside the synagogue from being seriously harmed.

Weddum recalled hearing several loud gunshots before directing worshippers into the sanctuary and telling them to get down. He said bullets struck the synagogue’s stained-glass windows, leaving more than 20 bullet holes.

No one inside the synagogue was reported injured.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the shooting and said Jewish people should be able to worship safely. He linked the incident to his government’s efforts to strengthen laws addressing hate and protect religious communities.

Carney also said he was offering his thoughts and prayers to Constable Smith, his family and the Jewish community in Belleville and across Canada.

The shooting comes amid concerns about antisemitic incidents in Canada. Carney had previously described antisemitism as a serious national concern and pointed to attacks targeting Jewish institutions.

The federal government passed the Combatting Hate Act during the summer. The legislation makes it a criminal offense to intimidate or obstruct people from accessing places of worship, community centers and other institutions associated with identifiable groups.

Jewish residents in Montreal told CNN that security measures remained tight at synagogues following the Belleville shooting. Community leaders said they have faced repeated security concerns and have had to balance increased protection with maintaining open and welcoming places of worship.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford praised the police officer and other first responders for acting quickly. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre also condemned the shooting and called for stronger protection against antisemitic violence.

Authorities have not yet publicly established a motive for the shooting. Investigators are continuing to examine evidence as the separate criminal and police-response investigations proceed.

SOURCE: CNN, Laura Sharman, Hanna Park and Max Saltman, updated September 2026.