Belleville synagogue attack: Officer confronts gunman as Ottawa faces questions over antisemitism
A Belleville police officer was shot confronting a gunman outside a synagogue as Yom Kippur began. With worshippers targeted and antisemitism spreading beyond major cities, questions are mounting over security, accountability and Ottawa's response.
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Article by Rebel News staff.
Tonight on The Ezra Levant Show: a lone Belleville police officer was shot while confronting a gunman outside a synagogue on Yom Kippur. The officer may have prevented a massacre, but Ottawa still refuses to confront the broader questions surrounding antisemitism and national security.
On Sunday evening, as roughly two dozen worshippers at Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville prepared to begin Yom Kippur services, a gunman opened fire outside. Bullets tore through the synagogue's stained-glass windows. Neighbours told news media they heard between 20 and 30 shots. Inside, congregants dropped to the floor as the attack unfolded. Synagogue president Norman Weddum told CBC that members closed the sanctuary doors and took cover.
According to Ontario's Special Investigations Unit, a Belleville Police Service officer was near Bleecker Avenue and Victoria Avenue at around 7 p.m. when the gunfire broke out. Both the officer and the gunman were shot and taken to hospital. The SIU said the officer was in critical but stable condition, while the suspect was in life-threatening condition. Belleville police later said Monday that only one man was involved, rejecting claims of a second shooter. Police Chief Murray Rodd said the wounded officer remained in intensive care. No charges had been announced.
The officer, Const. Jeff Smith, is a nearly 13-year veteran of the Belleville police force and a member of its emergency response unit. He was in an unmarked vehicle outside the synagogue when he confronted the gunman and was shot. Congregants told Rebel News that without the officer's presence, the attacker could have entered the building and encountered unarmed worshippers, including children.
The suspect has been identified as Sean Ward, a 29-year-old from Quinte West. He had not been charged at the time of reporting.
Security guard Mike Devolin was inside the synagogue when the first rounds struck. He watched the bullets shatter the glass and described the weapon as a heavy rifle. Around 20 people took cover while the gun battle continued outside.
Devolin also described a troubling encounter from the previous week's service. He had noticed a stranger sitting in an SUV outside for more than an hour, using his phone. When Devolin approached, the man said nothing and drove away about 10 minutes later. He acknowledged that the encounter might have meant nothing, but wondered whether the individual could have been surveying the location. Of Const. Smith, Devolin was unequivocal: the officer saved their lives.
At a joint press conference, Rebel News asked the SIU whether the attack appeared to be terrorism targeting the Jewish community. The agency's spokesperson said the incident had some of those elements, while stressing that the SIU's mandate is limited to reviewing the officer's use of force. Belleville police are conducting the parallel criminal investigation into motive.
Liberal MP Chris Malette, who represents Bay of Quinte and lives two blocks from the synagogue, credited the officer with saving lives and expressed his support. When asked why the Carney government would not deport Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps operatives in Canada, Malette declined to discuss the issue, saying, "I'm not going to discuss IRGC at this point."
Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis condemned the attack. Toronto police also said they were increasing patrols around synagogues.
The attack in Belleville comes amid concerns about antisemitism and security at Jewish institutions across Canada.
Const. Jeff Smith walked toward the gunfire. His actions may have prevented an even greater loss of life. As he recovers, Canadians are left with serious questions about the security of Jewish communities, the government's response to antisemitism, and whether national authorities are prepared to confront the threats facing the country.
COMMENTS
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Bruce Atchison commented 2026-09-21 20:46:55 -0400We all must e-mail or call our elected representatives and demand something be done about these jihadists."Prayers and thoughts sound nice but they DO nothing tangible. Unless we raise a ruckus, nothing will be done. The silent majority must stay silent no longer.
