Sep 22, 2026 5:55 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press

A 29-year-old suspect, identified as Sean Ward, has died in hospital following a shooting outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ont.
The incident happened Sunday evening as members of the Jewish community gathered inside the synagogue for prayers marking Yom Kippur.
At around 7:10 p.m., the suspect allegedly opened fire with a shotgun at a police officer stationed outside the synagogue. The suspect was critically injured during an exchange of gunfire and was taken to hospital in serious condition.
Police said approximately 20 to 30 rounds were fired during the confrontation, with some bullets striking the synagogue’s windows.
The injured officer, Const. Jeff Smith, remains in hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.


