A Belleville police officer and another man were wounded in an exchange of gunfire outside a synagogue Sunday evening as members of the Jewish community gathered to observe Yom Kippur.

Belleville police said an officer encountered the man near the Sons of Jacob Synagogue at approximately 7:10 p.m. Both were struck by gunfire and transported to hospital.

The man was reported to be in life-threatening condition. Police have not publicly disclosed the officer’s condition or identified either person.

Go Ad Free

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has taken over the investigation. The civilian agency investigates incidents involving police that result in death, serious injury, sexual assault allegations or the discharge of a firearm at a person.

Investigators have not said what prompted the confrontation or whether the synagogue and its congregation were deliberately targeted.

Police said there was no continuing danger to the public but asked residents to avoid the area while officers and SIU investigators examined the scene.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the shooting, noting that it occurred outside the synagogue while worshippers were marking the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Ford said Jewish residents have the right to worship without fear and offered his support to the injured officer and the officer’s family.

The incident comes amid heightened security concerns at Jewish institutions across Canada. Police in other Ontario jurisdictions increased patrols around places of worship following the shooting, although authorities said there was no known broader threat.