Gunman Dies After Shooting at Police Outside Ontario Synagogue
BELLEVILLE, ONTARIO — September 23, 2026

A 29-year-old man has died after exchanging gunfire with police outside a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during Yom Kippur celebrations, authorities said.

The incident happened Sunday evening near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, where members of the Jewish community had gathered for the religious holiday. A police officer stationed near the synagogue was shot during the exchange and remains in hospital in critical but stable condition.

Suspect Died in Hospital
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which investigates incidents involving police that result in death or serious injury, said the suspect died in hospital on Monday night.

The man was identified by Belleville police as Sean Ward of Quinte West. The SIU said he was armed with a shotgun when the exchange of gunfire began.

A second police officer arrived at the scene and also discharged a firearm. Both Ward and the first officer were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.

An autopsy of Ward is scheduled to take place in Kingston on September 23.

Officer Remains in Hospital
The injured officer was identified as Constable Jeff Smith.

Authorities said Smith remains in critical but stable condition. The Belleville Police Service said he faces a significant recovery following the shooting.

Around two dozen people were inside the synagogue at the time of the incident. None of the worshippers were reported injured.

Synagogue president Norman Weddum said he immediately warned people inside to get down after hearing gunfire. Bullets later struck a window and the interior wall of the building.

Motive Has Not Been Confirmed
Police have not established a motive for the shooting and have not officially determined whether the synagogue or Jewish community was specifically targeted.

The SIU is investigating the actions of the police officers involved, while Belleville police are conducting a separate investigation into the shooting and the circumstances surrounding Ward’s actions.

The incident has prompted increased police patrols around synagogues and other places of worship in the region.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Sources: Ontario Special Investigations Unit; Associated Press; ABC News; Reuters.