Go Ad Free

Article by Rebel News staff

---

Rebel News CEO Ezra Levant is on the scene in Belleville after a man carrying a rifle opened fire outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue on Sunday evening, as the congregation sat down to begin Yom Kippur services.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit says a Belleville Police Service officer was near the synagogue, in the area of Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue, at about 7 p.m. when gunfire broke out involving a man armed with a rifle. Both men were shot and taken to hospital. The SIU says the officer is in critical but stable condition and the man is in life-threatening condition.

Congregants were sitting down for Yom Kippur services inside when the gunfire erupted outside, and synagogue president Norman Weddum told CBC that members closed the sanctuary doors behind them and got down on the floor. Residents near the scene told Quinte News they heard between 20 and 30 shots.

Belleville police spokesperson Lauren Wilkinson told reporters Monday that online claims of a second shooter are inaccurate, and that one man was involved. Police Chief Murray Rodd said the wounded officer remains in intensive care.

The SIU, the civilian agency that investigates police-involved injuries, has taken over the scene and held a media briefing Monday. No charges have been announced. Police have not said what led to the shooting or whether the synagogue was targeted, and say there is no ongoing risk to public safety.

Premier Doug Ford, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis condemned the incident. Toronto police said they are increasing patrols at synagogues and other places of worship in light of the shooting.