The gunman who exchanged fire with a police officer outside a Belleville, Ont. synagogue while attempting to enter during Yom Kippur has died, Ontario's Special Investigation Unit confirmed.

Belleville police have named him as 29-year-old Sean Ward of Quinte West, a nearby town. The police watchdog says Ward died Monday night, with an autopsy scheduled for Wednesday in Kingston.

He was originally revived on scene after witnesses say he was unresponsive and was in a pool of his own blood after the gun battle with officers.

The Department of National Defence says its records show a former Canadian Armed Forces member named Sean Ward, who was released in June 2022 at the rank of corporal, matches the description of the suspect.

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According to the SIU, the suspect was armed with a shotgun when he opened fire on an officer stationed outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue Sunday night. A shootout followed, leaving both the suspect and the officer seriously injured.

Jeff Smith, the heroic officer who defended the Synagogue from attack, is in stable condition.

A GoFundMe has been created for the hero and has raised nearly $100,000 as of publication.

The attack happened as worshippers gathered for Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. This comes as the Jewish community is already on edge after years of rising violent antisemitic incidents across Canada.

A gunman exchanged fire with police outside a Belleville synagogue during the holiest days of the Jewish year. The CBC says it's "still not clear if the synagogue was the target." pic.twitter.com/UmR4YiFw6X

— Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) September 22, 2026

Canada’s state broadcaster has refused to admit the religious place of worship was the target.

Rebel News will continue following this story as more details emerge, including whether the SIU or Department of National Defence release further information on Ward's military service record and any warning signs that may have existed beforehand.